Chapter 28: Li Yu Decides to Fight to the Death Against Dong Zhuo's Army.

  Li Yu led the army to fight against Dong Zhuo's army, day and night, urging the 100,000-strong army to rush to the front line of Xiabian City. At this time, Xu Huan had already entered Xiabian City and built an arrow tower every five miles in Xiabian City, with a military camp between every two arrow towers to prevent Dong Zhuo's army from taking the arrow tower. Between every two arrow towers, an iron bridge was also built for reinforcement and withdrawal. As a result, it blocked the advance of Dong Zhuo's army. Although Dong Zhuo's army came fiercely, Xu Huan's deployment was very reasonable, and Dong Zhuo had no choice but to let Guo Si lead 100,000 soldiers to attack Jishan Pass. However, Ji Shan's Yu Yi was also like Xu Huan, not someone that Guo Si could resist.

  Li Yu saw that the situation at Mount Qi Pass was stable, with Xu Shu in charge. However, he also saw that Dong Zhuo's army was attacking Beihai City and the situation was critical. After analyzing the current situation, he decided to beat the drums and raise the flag!

  The three war drums sounded, and the entire camp of generals did not dare to delay. They immediately rushed to Li Yu's command tent for a meeting. Li Yu sat steadily in his commander's seat, with Wang Xue sitting beside him. On the left side, Guo Jia also took his seat as military advisor. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Zhang Ren, and Gao Shun all arrived and paid their respects to the commander before taking their seats.

  Li Yu gave an order to the central army officer to take roll call. The central army officer did not dare to be slow, knowing that Li Yu's military discipline was strict, and anyone who made a mistake would be punished, regardless of who they were. After completing the roll call, the central army officer reported: "Reporting to the commander, all generals are present!"

  Li Yu nodded his head and said: "Although Dong Zhuo's army is 500,000 strong, it is actually already at its weakest point. Now, Dong Zhuo has sent Guo Si to lead an army of 100,000 to attack our army at Qi Mountain Pass, while he himself leads an army of 400,000 to attack Xiangyang City. I have decided that the main battlefield will be between Xiangyang City and Tianshui City!"

  Guo Jia, who was sitting beside Li Yu, stood up and said: "I disagree! Commander, your military strategy is already unconventional enough, but if you divide our forces like this, we will not be able to deliver a fatal blow to Dong Zhuo's army. Our army has only 100,000 soldiers in Xiangyang City, and now we have brought only 100,000 soldiers with us. I understand that you want to divide our forces, but this will only disperse our strength further! When the time comes, we will not be able to defeat Dong Zhuo's army!"

  Li Yu listened to Guo Jia's words and nodded his head in agreement. He also acknowledged that Guo Jia's strategy was stable and had its advantages.

  Wang Xue also spoke up: "Old general, at this moment, even if we add the soldiers from Qi Mountain Pass, Yangping Gate, and Xiangyang City, our total strength is only 300,000, while Dong Zhuo's army has 500,000 soldiers. The risk is too great!"

  Li Yu looked around at his generals and asked: "What do you all think?"

  Guan Yu spoke up first: "A true man does not fear death! I am willing to be the vanguard and lead an army of 10,000 to fight against Guo Si's 100,000-strong army!"

  Zhang Fei also spoke up: "Little brother, second brother's idea is my idea too. But this time, it should be me who leads the vanguard!"

  Zhao Yun stood up and said: "Commander, although Dong Zhuo's army has many soldiers, we cannot underestimate them. I agree with Military Advisor Guo Jia's suggestion."

  Zhang Ren and Gao Shun looked at each other, then Zhang Ren stood up and said: "I also agree with Military Advisor Guo Jia's opinion. This battle is too important, and we cannot take risks!"

  Gao Shun stood up and said: "I am willing to cooperate with General Guan Yu. With my 700-strong Trapped Array Camp soldiers, I can hold off Dong Zhuo's army for ten days. Although our numbers are small, each soldier is brave and well-equipped. Let General Guan Yu have no worries about his rear. But I can only guarantee ten days' time. If General Guan Yu cannot take Tianshui City within ten days, I am willing to die with him!"

  Li Yu was shocked by Gao Shun's words and thought to himself: "Who dares to speak such big words?" He turned around and saw that it was indeed Gao Shun, the leader of the Trapped Array Camp - Flying General's "Gao Shun Independent Regiment". Although their numbers were less than 1,000, their strength was not to be underestimated. This unit was actually one of the top five most powerful units in the Yi State army.

  What is the Trapped Array Camp?

  According to the "Records of Heroes", there is a record about Lü Bu's elite troops: "(Gao Shun) led more than 700 soldiers, known as the 'Thousand-Man Army', with armor and equipment all refined and neat. Every time they attacked, they broke through without exception, and were called the 'Trapping Array Camp'." It can be seen that this is a well-equipped and well-trained army, with not many people but proud battle achievements. So what kind of troops was Gao Shun's Trapping Array Camp? Lü Bu's troops originated from Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo, both of whom were once powerful warlords with brave cavalry. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that Lü Bu's cavalry was also not weak. Zhang Liao, Hou Cheng, and others were all his cavalry generals. As cavalry was a relatively luxurious type of troop during the Three Kingdoms period, there is no reason why they would not be configured into the most elite troops. So, was the Trapping Array Camp a cavalry? The Han dynasty's cavalry was divided into light cavalry and heavy cavalry. Light cavalry wore no armor, used bows and arrows, and excelled at mobility; heavy cavalry wore armor, wielded swords and spears, and excelled at close combat. With the progress of metallurgy, horse armor gradually became more widely used. Armor was generally made of iron, while leather armor was called "jia". Horse armor was metal protective gear worn by horses to increase their defensive and charging capabilities. However, during the Three Kingdoms period, horse armor was not widespread. Cao Cao said in his "Military Strategy": "Yuan Benchu had 10,000 suits of armor, I have only 2,000; Yuan Benchu had 300 sets of horse armor, I don't even have 10." Therefore, at that time, the cavalry was mainly composed of light cavalry. Cao Cao said this during the Battle of Guandu, when he had already defeated Lü Bu's troops and incorporated many of his soldiers into his own army. It can be seen that Lü Bu's cavalry was also mainly light cavalry. So, if "armor and equipment were all refined and neat" does not refer to cavalry, then it must refer to infantry. During the Three Kingdoms period, infantry could be divided into three main types: short-weapon troops, long-weapon troops, and bow-and-crossbow troops. Of course, non-combat transport troops and rare special troops like藤甲兵 (tengjia bing) are not included in this classification. Short-weapon troops, such as dagger-and-shield soldiers, often carried a shield in addition to their weapons. This type of troop had average close combat capabilities but strong defensive capabilities due to their shields. They were often used for formation battles and charging, and also played a significant role in countering enemy archers and crossbowmen. Long-weapon troops, such as spear soldiers, halberd soldiers, and pike soldiers, excelled at close combat and were mainly used for formation battles and charging. They also had a significant impact on countering cavalry. Bow-and-crossbow troops were long-range troops, with crossbowmen being an upgraded version of archers. Crossbows had a longer range, greater killing power, and higher accuracy than bows, but were slower to operate and more affected by terrain. The trajectory of arrows was parabolic, making them more flexible to use. To make up for their defensive shortcomings, crossbow troops often also carried shields. Crossbowmen were almost the natural enemies of light cavalry, with only 800 elite soldiers under Kou Ying able to defeat the famous White Horse General from a distance. According to the "Records of the Three Kingdoms", during Lü Bu's rebellion in Hebei, he took refuge in Gao Shun's military camp, where Gao Shun "led his troops into the city, with bows and crossbows firing at the rebels". Since it was a rebellion within the general's residence, it was necessary to put it down as quickly as possible. Time was of the essence, and the situation could easily get out of control if not handled promptly. Therefore, Gao Shun likely led his most elite troops, the Trapping Array Camp, to quell the rebellion that night. From a weapons perspective, the Trapping Array Camp was clearly a bow-and-crossbow troop. The combination of bows and crossbows was also excellent, with crossbows able to shoot straight ahead and hit enemies in front, while bows could fire parabolically and hit enemies behind or above their shields or friendly troops. It was precisely because bow-and-crossbow troops had such strong killing power that the Trapping Array Camp was able to achieve its reputation for being unbeatable. So, I suspect that the Trapping Array Camp really was a bow-and-crossbow troop - at least, that's what I think!

  Li Yu hesitated for a moment, wondering whether he should entrust such an important task to Gao Shun. Finally, Li Yu made up his mind and said, "Summon the Zhong Jun officer to bring out the treasured sword!" The Zhong Jun officer did not dare to delay and immediately brought out the treasured sword. Li Yu drew the sword and said, "I have decided! Divide the troops into two groups of 50,000 each. Let Guan Yu lead one group to attack Qi Shan Pass, in coordination with the defending general Ji Yi. First, annihilate the 100,000-strong army of Guo Si, then advance straight to Tian Shui City and capture it!" Guan Yu stood up and bowed, saying, "General, do not worry, I will definitely take Tian Shui City. If I fail, I swear I will not return to Shu!" Li Yu saw this and quickly left the commander's seat, rushing a few steps to grab Guan Yu's hand and say, "Second brother, we are brothers who took an oath in the Peach Garden, sworn to live and die together. Do not mention death again! I will wait for your return and drink with you for three days!" Guan Yu saw this and did not dare to speak further, turning around and leaving. At this time, Zhang Fei walked up and grabbed Guan Yu's hand, his eyes filled with tears, saying, "Second brother, be careful on your journey. We will wait for your return and drink together until we are drunk!" Guan Yu also grasped Zhang Fei's hand for a long time before speaking, looking at Li Yu and Zhang Fei and saying, "Third brother, fourth brother, wait for my good news!" Then he threw off Zhang Fei's hand and left the commander's tent without looking back. Li Yu saw this and continued to give orders, saying, "Gao Shun, listen to my command!" Gao Shun stood up and bowed, saying, "Second brother is going to take Tian Shui City. This will inevitably force Dong Zhuo to lead his army to rescue Tian Shui City. Therefore, the most important thing in this battle is two points: one is whether Second General Guan Yu can successfully capture Tian Shui City within ten days, and the other is your task, Gao Shun! I, Li Yu, trust you as a general. Additionally, I command you to lead an extra 20,000 troops and your own vanguard to block Dong Zhuo's army from returning. Coordinate with Second General Guan Yu to capture Tian Shui City! If Second General Guan Yu can successfully capture Tian Shui City, I command you not to engage in a prolonged battle but to immediately withdraw into Tian Shui City and defend it to the death. This will inevitably force Dong Zhuo's army to return and launch a fierce attack on Tian Shui City. You and Second General Guan Yu must defend Tian Shui City to the death, do not make any mistakes!" Gao Shun was moved to tears, never thinking that he would be entrusted with such an important task on his first visit to Li Yu's tent. He knelt down on the ground and said, "I, Gao Shun, hereby take a military oath. If I fail to block Dong Zhuo's returning army within ten days, I will be beheaded!" Li Yu helped Gao Shun up and said, "General Gao, this battle is of utmost importance, and you bear the weight of a thousand jun. It is not that I, Li Yu, am being petty, but our military strength is insufficient, and I have put you in a dangerous position. This is my fault!" Gao Shun knocked his head on the ground and said, "I am willing to die for my lord! In ancient times, there was a saying that 'a general who does not know how to retreat will be defeated.' I, Gao Shun, do not know how to retreat. If I fail, I will be beheaded!" Li Yu saw this and also had tears in his eyes. He knew that this battle would be the most dangerous one since he started his journey. Li Yu did not expect Dong Zhuo to be so reckless and launch an attack on Yi Zhou. This was indeed a consequence of Li Yu's arrival in the Three Kingdoms era, which changed the course of history! After Gao Shun quickly left the commander's tent, Li Yu said, "Today, we will face national difficulties together. All generals are not afraid of death. What is there to fear about Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo? From now on, the world will be shocked by this battle!"

  "Although the military strength is vastly different, if we win this battle, the city of Tianshui will be in our hands. The only way for Dong Zhuo's army to attack Yizhou is through this point, so defending Yizhou in the future will be greatly reduced. Moreover, when the general wants to send troops from Yizhou to capture the Central Plains or Xiliang in the future, the road will basically be open! It can be said that capturing Tianshui is the key to dominating the country today and in the future! The importance of Tianshui City is not inferior to Hanzhong at all! Alas, this battle is indeed extremely risky!"

  Wang Xue also cried and said in a confused tone: "Husband, after this battle, I really hope they all come back without anyone missing!"

  Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun were also moved to tears!

  Li Yu suddenly seemed to have thought of something and quickly ran out of the tent, arriving at the military camp. At this time, Guan Yu and Gao Shun, Zhang Ren had finished inspecting the troops and were preparing to march towards Xiakou Pass. Li Yu arrived at the military camp, stood on the platform and shouted loudly: "This battle is indeed a matter of life and death for our army! Today, I am letting all brothers take risks, it is for the survival of our army! Tomorrow, if we win, I will be here to welcome you back, and I must drink with all of you for three days!" Guan Yu, Gao Shun, Zhang Ren, and 80,000 soldiers all stood up and shouted: "Fight to the death against Dong Zhuo, swear to return!" Li Yu ordered wine to be poured, Wang Yue and Guo Jia, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun followed behind. First, they toasted Guan Yu, Gao Shun, and Zhang Ren, then Li Yu raised his cup and said: "Today, I toast all of you soldiers with a cup of wine. When brothers return, I will definitely drink 300 cups with all of you!" Li Yu finished speaking, drained the cup in one gulp, and smashed it to the ground! The 70,000 soldiers also drained their cups in one gulp and threw them to the ground. Seeing this, Li Yu ordered the army to set off. At this time, the morale of the entire army was high, and the 70,000-strong army marched forward with a loud shout. Li Yu watched them leave, then immediately ordered the remaining 10,000 soldiers to march towards Xiakou Pass to meet up with Xu Huang!

  All the soldiers at this time also have a must-die thought, any enemy is afraid of people with a must-die determination. Can Guan Yu take over Tianshui City? Can Gao Shun stop Dong Zhuo? Can Li Yu defeat Dong Zhuo's army in this battle? All of these will be revealed immediately!

  I'll be waiting for your return!