Chapter 48: Capturing Zhang He Alive is Worth a Hundred Gold

  A dense rain of arrows poured down on the two hundred Western Liang cavalry, producing a series of "ding ding ding" sounds, as if they had been shot onto fine iron. To say nothing of shooting down men and horses, not even a single hair of the Western Liang cavalry was shot off.

  "This... isn't good!"

  Zhang Heng suddenly thought of something and his face changed drastically.

  "Hurry, long spear soldiers advance, array horse formation."

  Zhang Huo opened his throat and let out a loud, mournful roar. He finally understood what was wrong and gritted his teeth as he roared: "You cunning little thief, no wonder you changed formation when facing the enemy! You hid this cavalry unit, planning to lure me into forming a circular defense, then use them to break through from the front! You scoundrel, quickly, long spear soldiers come forward, form a defensive horse array!"

  A shrill loud cry shook people's eardrums, and there was also a desperate look.

  Zhang He finally understood the tactics of the Western Liang army after seeing that this cavalry was not afraid of strong arrows.

  It's just that with this fan-shaped surrounding and harassing tactic, they would be deceived into forming a circular formation to guard against all sides, and then launch a strong attack.

  Although the horse array is advantageous for defending against a frontal assault, it cannot face multiple directions at once.

  Although a circular formation can defend against attacks from all sides, it is disadvantageous in defending against a cavalry charge that breaks through the front.

  Luo Zhengzheng took advantage of the Ji State Army's ignorance of the iron-clad cavalry to deceive them with tactics, deceiving Zhang Heng into changing his formation. At the last critical moment, he revealed his killer move and launched a frontal breakthrough to minimize casualties.

  Otherwise, if they were to force their way through the Jizhou army's defensive line, it is feared that not a single one of the two hundred iron-armored cavalrymen would be left.

  Zhang Heng's eyes were keen and he understood in an instant, so he hastily ordered the gun soldiers to advance and resist the cavalry array.

  But at this time, it's too late to change again.

  What's more, the main force of the Western Liang army was lightly equipped and advancing quickly, without bringing many supplies. Otherwise, as long as they arranged their supply carts in a circle, they could effectively block the cavalry from charging.

  The horse speed has been pushed to the limit, and the first row of iron armor chain horses that rushed forward with a loud crash hit the front array of Jizhou army.

  Blood splattered everywhere, limbs flew in all directions.

  The shrill cries of agony, the long whinnies of war horses, the shouts to kill, and the cracking sounds of bones breaking all merged into a symphony of death. The shield-bearing soldiers standing in front of the formation were like fragile paper walls that collapsed instantly under the impact of the iron-clad cavalry.

  Five hundred gunners didn't even have time to rush over and form an array, the iron armored cavalry had already defeated the Jizhou army's vanguard.

  "Ah! I'm out of breath too!"

  Zhang Hu's whiskers and hair all stood on end, he let out a loud roar, brandished his spear and rode forth to kill.

  However, just as he swung his iron spear and knocked two armored cavalrymen flying, the warhorses were linked together in a row by iron chains and charged forward in a rolling motion, directly colliding with Zhang Hu's horse and knocking him off its back, almost trampling him to death.

  Fortunately, this man's martial arts were very strong. After dodging a roll, he swung his iron spear and knocked down three linked horses again.

  In the midst of a shrill neighing, three linked horses had their legs cut off and crashed to the ground. The momentum of the first row of one hundred iron-clad linked horses was immediately halted, but under the traction of other warhorses, they continued to charge forward with inertia.

  Just then, the second row of iron armor chain horses arrived.

  At the critical moment, Zhang Ba wielded his iron spear and with a mighty heave, sprang forward, pounced on one of the armored cavalrymen, knocking him off his horse. Before the man hit the ground, Zhang Ba had already twisted his head off.

  At this time, the second row of iron armor chain cavalry had already killed past.

  Zhang He turned around and saw that his 7,000-strong army had been completely routed and was fleeing in disarray.

  The soldiers were at a loss, rushing around in disorder, some throwing away their weapons and fleeing in panic.

  It was at this moment that the most lethal blow arrived.

  After the Western Xia cavalry rushed to the bottom of the hill from both sides, they immediately turned back and, after the iron armor pierced the Jizhou army's formation, they inserted into the chaotic Jizhou army like two sharp knives.

  "It's done."

  Zhang Heng's face suddenly turned pale, and his lips were trembling with anger.

  A small hill package under the killing sound shocking field, boiling back full sky.

  After the Western Liang Iron Cavalry turned back and killed, the Jizhou army was suddenly killed and people were overturned. The soldiers who lacked training and actual combat immediately abandoned their helmets and armor, fled wildly, and scattered to escape.

  "Pffft!"

  Luo Zhen galloped forward, leaning over to swing his sword and behead a small school from the Ji military region who had abandoned his weapon and was about to escape. He then opened his throat and let out a loud, long howl: "Pass on my order: whoever captures Zhang Heng alive will be rewarded with 100 gold coins; whoever gets his head will receive 50 gold coins."

  "Wah wah wah!"

  More than three thousand Western Liang cavalrymen immediately had red eyes, excitedly shouting loudly.

  "Whatever!"

  Seeing that things could no longer be changed, Zhang He let out a long sigh and immediately blended in with the fleeing soldiers to escape with his life.

  Three thousand Western Liang iron cavalrymen followed and pursued, chasing for over 40 miles before withdrawing their troops.

  Luo Zhen furrowed his brow and asked those around him, "Has Zhang He been captured and beheaded?"

  A small school replied: "I didn't see Zhang Fei, let him run away."

  Luo Zhen let out a heavy hum, "Really benefited from this guy, what's the outcome of the battle?"

  "The general replied: 'Our army lost twelve men, fifty-eight lightly wounded and three seriously injured. Twenty-five ring horses were broken, and sixteen iron armor cavalrymen were killed. We beheaded 4,851 soldiers from Jizhou, the rest scattered, no one was captured.'"

  Luo Zheng slapped his palm with a horse whip and said: "Good, immediately rescue and treat the wounded soldiers, handle them well afterwards."

  "Roger."

  The officer in charge responded with a single word and immediately passed down the military order.

  Half an hour later, the army arrived at a nearby manor and began treating wounded soldiers and handling aftermath.

  Inside the inner courtyard, in a spacious hall.

  Lu Xun looked around at the gathered military officers and slowly said, "Now that the various lords of Guandong have retreated their troops, our army's mission to conquer Guandong has also been accomplished. This time we defeated Zhang He's great army, avenging the blood debt from the sneak attack on Linxiang City, it is time for us to return to Luoyang."

  The crowd of military officers all had red faces full of praise, shouting in unison, "General, you are brilliant!"

  This time, going on an expedition to Kanto, successfully forcing various daimyos of Kanto to retreat their troops, can be said to have achieved a great merit.

  The troops returned to Luoyang at a steady pace, and one or two levels were still no problem.

  Everyone brings their heads to join the army, isn't it just for gaining some military merit and establishing a career.

  Of course, everyone in their heart is also clear, the greatest credit belongs to who.

  Without a general commanding in a fair and square manner, let alone merits, it's even questionable whether he can force the vassals to retreat.

  Luo Zheng waved his hand, "Rest for two days, and on the third day lead the army northward, leaving Hebei Province as soon as possible."

  "Roger."

  All troops shouted in unison and accepted the order

  Xiangguo

  In the late afternoon, Han Fu led an army of 20,000 men and rushed to Xiangguo.

  As the sky was already late, Han Fu had no choice but to order the army to temporarily stay in Xiangguo and continue northward the next day.

  Xiangguo Ling set up a banquet to welcome Han Fu and other high-ranking officials.

  The music and dance are harmonious, the wine glasses are clinking, and the atmosphere is lively.

  Han Fu was gazing at a beautiful dancer with an itchy heart when suddenly a small official rushed in and whispered something in the ear of strategist Tian Feng. Tian Feng's face changed, and he immediately got up and walked to Han Fu's side to report quietly.

  "What?"

  Han Fu hadn't finished listening when he was shocked, "Is this true?"

  Tian Feng's face was solemn as he said, "I'm sure there's no mistake."

  Han Fu's face suddenly turned pale, then turned white again. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted: "It's all because you didn't listen to me that we have this disaster today! And what about Zhang Heng? How did he lead the army? A force of 10,000 to 20,000 was reduced to only 2,000 defeated soldiers. It's infuriating!"

  As soon as these words came out, everyone in the hall was shocked.

  Ju Shou hastily waved his hand and chased the dancer out, then ordered the guards to close the door.

  Tian Feng sighed and said, "The Western Liang rebels are still burning, killing and looting. The best plan now is for the general to lead his troops north as soon as possible and drive this Western Liang rebel army out of Ji Province. Otherwise, the longer it drags on, the more unfavorable it will be for the general."

  Han Fu's face turned pale and white, naturally knowing the pros and cons of it.

  He was furious for a while before he shouted, "Where is Zhang He? Why hasn't he come to see me?"

  Tian Feng replied: "Right outside the door."

  Han Fu angrily said: "Summon him to the main hall."

  Tian Feng responded with a sound and immediately ordered the guards to bring Zhang Heng.

  North of Ping Ji, in a manor five miles away.

  In the dimly lit room, hot air was steaming up.

  Luo Zheng lay motionless in a large wooden barrel, his eyes closed as if asleep.

  Gan's jade-like face was flushed, holding a towel, gently wiping his body.

  However, soon after that big hand originally on her back shamelessly slipped between her thighs, Gan's already flushed face immediately turned bright red and even her breathing became urgent.

  "Regret it?"

  Luo Zheng suddenly opened his eyes and asked, his gaze calm.

  Gan lowered his head and muttered: "In a chaotic world, human life is like grass, being able to serve the general is slave's good fortune."

  "Is this really what you think in your heart?"

  Gan nodded, her tone slightly more bashful, "Although the general didn't say anything, I can sense that he's not a cruel person and doesn't treat me as a plaything. If so, what do I have to be dissatisfied with?"

  "How will you repay this general then?"

  Luo Zheng smiled, a slightly evil smile, and his thieving hands became even more unscrupulous.

  Gan's face turned red with anger, she stole a glance at him with a blush, and slowly stretched out her trembling hand to grasp the iron spear.

  Just then, there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside the door.

  "Halt."

  Then came Xu Chu's loud shout, followed by low whispers and nods of heads.

  Soon, Xu Chu knocked on the door and shouted loudly: "My lord, Han Fu's large army has passed by Gaoyi and is rushing to Pingyang overnight."

  "Wow, it's come so quickly!"

  Lu Zheng furrowed his brow, then forcibly suppressed the evil fire that had already ignited, stood up and stepped out of the wooden barrel.

  Gan hastily followed him out, helped him dry his body and attended to his dressing.

  Lu Zheng's mouth was a bit dry and he scratched Gan's jade-like body twice before turning around and leaving the door.