Fukou Pass is located between Shenjun Mountain and Fushan, along the winding Fuyang River, forming a narrow and elongated river valley. Therefore, the terrain of this pass is gentler than several other passes. In ancient times, Wei Wu once established a supply route here. Moving eastward from this pass, it can provide support to Zhao and Wei, making it a strategic location contested by military strategists throughout history.
At this moment, there are troops on the pass, and it’s a rapidly advancing cavalry unit. Four thousand horses nearly fill the river valley, and in the cold and slippery winter along the river, horses cannot run too fast. When it gets perilous, they even have to dismount and climb. After two days of swift riding, both the men and horses are on the brink of exhaustion. However, despite this, the procession shows no signs of slowing down, like a silent pack of wolves, exuding a chilling aura.
“General, we are approaching Fukou Pass.”
Yiyan squints his eyes and looks ahead. The not-so-tall city gate stands in the twilight, appearing somewhat hazy.
“When we reach the pass, set up camp and rest,” he orders.
Covering nearly five hundred miles in three days is an unimaginable feat for any army. The Tiger and Wolf Camp still lacks enough horses, unable to achieve the ideal one-man-two-horse formation. The continuous rapid marching has strained even these durable Xiongnu horses. Not to mention the mounted knights.
A night of rest is imperative, and tomorrow morning will be the time for a massive advance.
Upon hearing the command, the soldiers immediately perk up. The training in the Tiger and Wolf Camps is more rigorous than the other two camps, and these cavalrymen consider themselves the elite among the elite. However, the long-distance travel has almost drained their stamina. If not for strict military discipline, the general marching with them, and sharing both hardship and meals, it might have been more challenging for them to endure.
With a clear goal in sight, the final stretch of the journey is swift, and in no time, they arrive at the foot of the city. The defenders here are naturally soldiers from Bing County, already prepared with tents and provisions. Fukou Pass is much more spacious than other passes, and it can barely accommodate the encampment of several thousand soldiers and horses.
Yiyan dismounts and takes out a handful of salted beans, feeding them to his beloved steed. Even the excellent Uighur horses, after galloping for over a hundred miles for two consecutive days, are exhausted. With a snort, the horse affectionately nudges its master, munching on the treats.
Gently stroking the mane on the horse’s back, Yiyan walks back to his tent, organizing the plans for the siege tomorrow. Several generals, witnessing Yiyan’s current state, feel a deep sense of admiration. Five hundred miles of rapid travel, how can General Yi maintain such energy? Could he truly be invincible, a god of war in human form? Only Wang Long, who has been by Yiyan’s side, harbors some doubts. His family’s camp is unusually cold, unlike its usual state. Still, Wang Long won’t gossip about it.
Cavalry attacking a city relies on catching the enemy off guard. Now that they have seized the initiative, there’s no need for elaborate strategies. The pre-battle briefing is concluded in no time. Taking advantage of Yiyan leaving the tent, Wang Long approaches and quietly asks, “General, any specific instructions for tomorrow’s battle?”
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Yiyan coldly looks over, “Kill all the bandits, don’t harm the civilians.”
…What kind of instruction is that? Isn’t it always the case in warfare? However, before he can ask more, Yiyan has turned around, returning to his horse, and lies down on the ground, fully clothed. The armor is cold and heavy in the winter night, but he has no intention of removing it, closing his eyes.
Watching the commander’s unwelcoming demeanor, Wang Long scratches his head. Well, as long as they return victorious, things will surely improve, right? After assigning night watch duties, Wang Long also returns to his own camp and soon sinks into slumber.
※
In the distance, a woman’s scream pierces the air. Whatever is happening, the hysterical sound sends shivers down the spine. However, Shi Le pays no attention. Which group of lads is reveling1 again? After fighting for so long, he doesn’t mind letting the soldiers relax and enjoy the “spoils.”
They have been inside Ye City for five days. According to reason, they should leave as soon as possible. But not to mention the soldiers below, even Jisang can’t help but be dazzled by the majesty of this grand city. The former Wei Palace is astonishingly magnificent, and Sima Teng didn’t have time to move the palace’s belongings. Just the curtains and silk hanging in the hall are of unknown value. This is Ye City, plundered once by the Duan tribe of the Xianbei. Who could imagine its former grandeur?
If one possessed such a city, it wouldn’t be in vain to live this life! Not only Jisang but even Shi Le harbors such thoughts in his heart. Yet, he knows that his foundation is insufficient, and he can’t hold on to Ye City for long. Plundering the city’s wealth and retreating afterward is the best course of action.
It’s a pity that the aristocrats in the city are not enough. If only more people could be killed, that would be satisfying. A cruel expression appears on the typical Hu face. Shi Le dislikes those high-ranking officials and nobles who look down on them, treating people like him from different ethnicities as subhuman. Back then, he was captured like livestock by Sima Teng, and sold to Yan County. If not for the master’s favor, he might have already become a foreigner’s bones in an unfamiliar land.
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As the son of a tribal chieftain, why should he endure such humiliation just because he’s a Jie person? Shi Le doesn’t think so. Just by looking at Sima Teng’s pathetic appearance, he knows that it’s time for a change. But what is his benefactor Jisang lacking? Perhaps, after leaving Ye City, he should advise the great leader to join the Han Dynasty? Liu Yuan has already taken control of Hedong, and his influence is not insignificant. Joining him might have more prospects than carrying the banner of the puppet emperor, Sima Ying.
The incessant screams suddenly stop, and Shi Le raises an eyebrow. He has stayed in this city long enough; it’s time to leave.
“General Shi!” A soldier suddenly rushes into the courtyard, looking anxious. “Enemies have entered Ye City!”
“What?” Shi Le is startled. “Are they soldiers from You County?”
“No! They came from Fukou Pass, all cavalry!”
This is bad, it’s the Bing County troops! Shi Le sternly commands, “Quickly mobilize the troops, send someone to find the Grand General. We need to withdraw!”
He has heard about the prowess of the Bing County cavalry; they suffered a defeat to them in Shangdang, and it seems the commander-in-chief died. But how could this group arrive so quickly?
But Shi Le doesn’t have the luxury of pondering. Four thousand cavalry surge like a hidden tide, rushing over. The bandit troops, already demoralized, can’t withstand the armored cavalry. The city gate is immediately breached, and the cavalry storms in, initiating street battles!
In theory, street battles favor the defending side. However, these bandits are utterly unprepared, and the looting has drained their morale and energy. Like breaking deadwood, the Tiger and Wolf Camp breaks through the outer defenses, charging towards the general’s tent near the palace.
“Grand General! We can’t hold them back!” Shi Le rides on his horse, shouting to Jisang, “Let’s split our forces and break out of the city!”
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After all, Ye City is a large city with well-connected roads and more than one city gate. The enemy is few, and it’s not advisable to split the forces; they must gather in one place. If they were to divide into several groups, scattering in all directions, the enemy might not be able to discern which one is the main force.
Jisang has just descended from a woman; he drank too much, and his senses are somewhat unclear. How could he distinguish these things? Under Shi Le’s command, the central army started to break through the southern gate. Because of their nomadic background, there are quite a few horsemen among these bandits. Abandoning their treasures and supplies, they escape swiftly. However, whether the enemy had planned it or it was a stroke of luck, they unexpectedly encountered defending soldiers at the city gate!
“Break through!” Shi Le forcefully unsheathes his horse saber and shouts loudly.
They’ve just killed Sima Teng and plundered Ye City; how can they be defeated here? As long as they break out of the city and return to the main camp, they will still be unstoppable, won’t they?
However, before their horsemen reach the city gate, a rain of arrows descends upon them!
Oh no! These are not bows; they are crossbows! How come these cavalrymen also have crossbows? Although they plundered the Ye City treasury and equipped their close aides with armor, the horses are not armored! Several horses neigh in distress, throwing their riders off!
“General, let’s try another city gate!” a loyal follower shouts.
But Shi Le clenches his teeth, “Charge! Don’t stop!”
There are only fifty defending soldiers, likely stationed at each city gate. If they change places, it will only waste more time, risking being caught up by pursuing enemies. The best course of action now is to leverage their numerical advantage and break out of the encirclement in one go!
With Shi Le’s command, the soldiers with wooden shields immediately increased their horse speed, charging ahead to block the arrow rain. After all, there were more than eight hundred riders, and in the blink of an eye, they reached the city gate, engaging in close combat with the defending soldiers. These people were skilled archers, astonishingly proficient in swordsmanship. At the gate, they even set up makeshift deer horn tripwires to try to stop them.
Shi Le would not admit defeat so easily; he personally led his trusted men to break through. This was undoubtedly the most challenging battle he had faced since rising in rebellion. Only fifty men managed to forcibly block their escape route. What if the enemy’s main force arrived? Shi Le’s body erupted in goosebumps, his knife dancing like a flying wheel, splattering blood in all directions, reddening his eyes.
At this moment, a cry came from behind, “Grand General!”
Oh no. Shi Le turned around, seeing Jisang falling from his horse. This shout also attracted the attention of the city defenders. The defenders on the frontline withdrew, intending to annihilate the bandit leader in one fell swoop.
That’s Jisang! The man who elevated him from a slave to a leading general, the benefactor who helped him establish his name! However, the hesitation was only a moment; Shi Le forcefully spurred his horse, like an arrow leaving the string, breaking through the encirclement!
“General!” A loyal follower also charges out, his face pale, “The Grand General is still in the battle!”
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“Lead the troops back to rescue him!” Shi Le shouts sternly.
However, they couldn’t find the main camp outside the city. As if plowed through, the camp had been overrun by cavalry. The weak-willed refugees were scattered, and even the rebel soldiers under his command were in disarray.
They lost. A major defeat!
Shi Le instantly grasped the situation. This was an enemy that bandits couldn’t handle, especially coming when they were reveling in their plunder.
“Retreat! Leave Ye City, regroup the troops!” Shi Le made a decisive decision and issued the order.
One loyal follower hesitated, “But the Grand General is still in the city…”
In Shi Le’s profound and icy tiger eyes, a cold killing intent emerged, “The Grand General was harmed by the Jin army. We need to reorganize our forces and seek revenge for the Grand General!”
This statement instantly silenced those around him. Shi Le didn’t care about these clueless individuals. With a resentful glance at the towering city tower of Ye City, he swung his whip and followed the fleeing troops, escaping.
1
engaging in lively and noisy festivities, celebrations, or parties with a lot of merrymaking, enjoyment, and often loud and spirited behavior. It implies a sense of joyous and unrestrained celebration or festivity
Fukou Pass is located between Shenjun Mountain and Fushan, along the winding Fuyang River, forming a narrow and elongated river valley. Therefore, the terrain of this pass is gentler than several other passes. In ancient times, Wei Wu once established a supply route here. Moving eastward from this pass, it can provide support to Zhao and Wei, making it a strategic location contested by military strategists throughout history.
At this moment, there are troops on the pass, and it’s a rapidly advancing cavalry unit. Four thousand horses nearly fill the river valley, and in the cold and slippery winter along the river, horses cannot run too fast. When it gets perilous, they even have to dismount and climb. After two days of swift riding, both the men and horses are on the brink of exhaustion. However, despite this, the procession shows no signs of slowing down, like a silent pack of wolves, exuding a chilling aura.
“General, we are approaching Fukou Pass.”
Yiyan squints his eyes and looks ahead. The not-so-tall city gate stands in the twilight, appearing somewhat hazy.
“When we reach the pass, set up camp and rest,” he orders.
Covering nearly five hundred miles in three days is an unimaginable feat for any army. The Tiger and Wolf Camp still lacks enough horses, unable to achieve the ideal one-man-two-horse formation. The continuous rapid marching has strained even these durable Xiongnu horses. Not to mention the mounted knights.
A night of rest is imperative, and tomorrow morning will be the time for a massive advance.
Upon hearing the command, the soldiers immediately perk up. The training in the Tiger and Wolf Camps is more rigorous than the other two camps, and these cavalrymen consider themselves the elite among the elite. However, the long-distance travel has almost drained their stamina. If not for strict military discipline, the general marching with them, and sharing both hardship and meals, it might have been more challenging for them to endure.
With a clear goal in sight, the final stretch of the journey is swift, and in no time, they arrive at the foot of the city. The defenders here are naturally soldiers from Bing County, already prepared with tents and provisions. Fukou Pass is much more spacious than other passes, and it can barely accommodate the encampment of several thousand soldiers and horses.
Yiyan dismounts and takes out a handful of salted beans, feeding them to his beloved steed. Even the excellent Uighur horses, after galloping for over a hundred miles for two consecutive days, are exhausted. With a snort, the horse affectionately nudges its master, munching on the treats.
Gently stroking the mane on the horse’s back, Yiyan walks back to his tent, organizing the plans for the siege tomorrow. Several generals, witnessing Yiyan’s current state, feel a deep sense of admiration. Five hundred miles of rapid travel, how can General Yi maintain such energy? Could he truly be invincible, a god of war in human form? Only Wang Long, who has been by Yiyan’s side, harbors some doubts. His family’s camp is unusually cold, unlike its usual state. Still, Wang Long won’t gossip about it.
Cavalry attacking a city relies on catching the enemy off guard. Now that they have seized the initiative, there’s no need for elaborate strategies. The pre-battle briefing is concluded in no time. Taking advantage of Yiyan leaving the tent, Wang Long approaches and quietly asks, “General, any specific instructions for tomorrow’s battle?”
Advertisement
Yiyan coldly looks over, “Kill all the bandits, don’t harm the civilians.”
…What kind of instruction is that? Isn’t it always the case in warfare? However, before he can ask more, Yiyan has turned around, returning to his horse, and lies down on the ground, fully clothed. The armor is cold and heavy in the winter night, but he has no intention of removing it, closing his eyes.
Watching the commander’s unwelcoming demeanor, Wang Long scratches his head. Well, as long as they return victorious, things will surely improve, right? After assigning night watch duties, Wang Long also returns to his own camp and soon sinks into slumber.
※
In the distance, a woman’s scream pierces the air. Whatever is happening, the hysterical sound sends shivers down the spine. However, Shi Le pays no attention. Which group of lads is reveling1 again? After fighting for so long, he doesn’t mind letting the soldiers relax and enjoy the “spoils.”
They have been inside Ye City for five days. According to reason, they should leave as soon as possible. But not to mention the soldiers below, even Jisang can’t help but be dazzled by the majesty of this grand city. The former Wei Palace is astonishingly magnificent, and Sima Teng didn’t have time to move the palace’s belongings. Just the curtains and silk hanging in the hall are of unknown value. This is Ye City, plundered once by the Duan tribe of the Xianbei. Who could imagine its former grandeur?
If one possessed such a city, it wouldn’t be in vain to live this life! Not only Jisang but even Shi Le harbors such thoughts in his heart. Yet, he knows that his foundation is insufficient, and he can’t hold on to Ye City for long. Plundering the city’s wealth and retreating afterward is the best course of action.
It’s a pity that the aristocrats in the city are not enough. If only more people could be killed, that would be satisfying. A cruel expression appears on the typical Hu face. Shi Le dislikes those high-ranking officials and nobles who look down on them, treating people like him from different ethnicities as subhuman. Back then, he was captured like livestock by Sima Teng, and sold to Yan County. If not for the master’s favor, he might have already become a foreigner’s bones in an unfamiliar land.
Advertisement
As the son of a tribal chieftain, why should he endure such humiliation just because he’s a Jie person? Shi Le doesn’t think so. Just by looking at Sima Teng’s pathetic appearance, he knows that it’s time for a change. But what is his benefactor Jisang lacking? Perhaps, after leaving Ye City, he should advise the great leader to join the Han Dynasty? Liu Yuan has already taken control of Hedong, and his influence is not insignificant. Joining him might have more prospects than carrying the banner of the puppet emperor, Sima Ying.
The incessant screams suddenly stop, and Shi Le raises an eyebrow. He has stayed in this city long enough; it’s time to leave.
“General Shi!” A soldier suddenly rushes into the courtyard, looking anxious. “Enemies have entered Ye City!”
“What?” Shi Le is startled. “Are they soldiers from You County?”
“No! They came from Fukou Pass, all cavalry!”
This is bad, it’s the Bing County troops! Shi Le sternly commands, “Quickly mobilize the troops, send someone to find the Grand General. We need to withdraw!”
He has heard about the prowess of the Bing County cavalry; they suffered a defeat to them in Shangdang, and it seems the commander-in-chief died. But how could this group arrive so quickly?
But Shi Le doesn’t have the luxury of pondering. Four thousand cavalry surge like a hidden tide, rushing over. The bandit troops, already demoralized, can’t withstand the armored cavalry. The city gate is immediately breached, and the cavalry storms in, initiating street battles!
In theory, street battles favor the defending side. However, these bandits are utterly unprepared, and the looting has drained their morale and energy. Like breaking deadwood, the Tiger and Wolf Camp breaks through the outer defenses, charging towards the general’s tent near the palace.
“Grand General! We can’t hold them back!” Shi Le rides on his horse, shouting to Jisang, “Let’s split our forces and break out of the city!”
Advertisement
After all, Ye City is a large city with well-connected roads and more than one city gate. The enemy is few, and it’s not advisable to split the forces; they must gather in one place. If they were to divide into several groups, scattering in all directions, the enemy might not be able to discern which one is the main force.
Jisang has just descended from a woman; he drank too much, and his senses are somewhat unclear. How could he distinguish these things? Under Shi Le’s command, the central army started to break through the southern gate. Because of their nomadic background, there are quite a few horsemen among these bandits. Abandoning their treasures and supplies, they escape swiftly. However, whether the enemy had planned it or it was a stroke of luck, they unexpectedly encountered defending soldiers at the city gate!
“Break through!” Shi Le forcefully unsheathes his horse saber and shouts loudly.
They’ve just killed Sima Teng and plundered Ye City; how can they be defeated here? As long as they break out of the city and return to the main camp, they will still be unstoppable, won’t they?
However, before their horsemen reach the city gate, a rain of arrows descends upon them!
Oh no! These are not bows; they are crossbows! How come these cavalrymen also have crossbows? Although they plundered the Ye City treasury and equipped their close aides with armor, the horses are not armored! Several horses neigh in distress, throwing their riders off!
“General, let’s try another city gate!” a loyal follower shouts.
But Shi Le clenches his teeth, “Charge! Don’t stop!”
There are only fifty defending soldiers, likely stationed at each city gate. If they change places, it will only waste more time, risking being caught up by pursuing enemies. The best course of action now is to leverage their numerical advantage and break out of the encirclement in one go!
With Shi Le’s command, the soldiers with wooden shields immediately increased their horse speed, charging ahead to block the arrow rain. After all, there were more than eight hundred riders, and in the blink of an eye, they reached the city gate, engaging in close combat with the defending soldiers. These people were skilled archers, astonishingly proficient in swordsmanship. At the gate, they even set up makeshift deer horn tripwires to try to stop them.
Shi Le would not admit defeat so easily; he personally led his trusted men to break through. This was undoubtedly the most challenging battle he had faced since rising in rebellion. Only fifty men managed to forcibly block their escape route. What if the enemy’s main force arrived? Shi Le’s body erupted in goosebumps, his knife dancing like a flying wheel, splattering blood in all directions, reddening his eyes.
At this moment, a cry came from behind, “Grand General!”
Oh no. Shi Le turned around, seeing Jisang falling from his horse. This shout also attracted the attention of the city defenders. The defenders on the frontline withdrew, intending to annihilate the bandit leader in one fell swoop.
That’s Jisang! The man who elevated him from a slave to a leading general, the benefactor who helped him establish his name! However, the hesitation was only a moment; Shi Le forcefully spurred his horse, like an arrow leaving the string, breaking through the encirclement!
“General!” A loyal follower also charges out, his face pale, “The Grand General is still in the battle!”
Advertisement
“Lead the troops back to rescue him!” Shi Le shouts sternly.
However, they couldn’t find the main camp outside the city. As if plowed through, the camp had been overrun by cavalry. The weak-willed refugees were scattered, and even the rebel soldiers under his command were in disarray.
They lost. A major defeat!
Shi Le instantly grasped the situation. This was an enemy that bandits couldn’t handle, especially coming when they were reveling in their plunder.
“Retreat! Leave Ye City, regroup the troops!” Shi Le made a decisive decision and issued the order.
One loyal follower hesitated, “But the Grand General is still in the city…”
In Shi Le’s profound and icy tiger eyes, a cold killing intent emerged, “The Grand General was harmed by the Jin army. We need to reorganize our forces and seek revenge for the Grand General!”
This statement instantly silenced those around him. Shi Le didn’t care about these clueless individuals. With a resentful glance at the towering city tower of Ye City, he swung his whip and followed the fleeing troops, escaping.
1
engaging in lively and noisy festivities, celebrations, or parties with a lot of merrymaking, enjoyment, and often loud and spirited behavior. It implies a sense of joyous and unrestrained celebration or festivity
