Chapter 17 Northern Expedition (4)
One side was the invincible Mandan warriors from beyond the Great Wall, and the other was the elite troops from Yizhou with the most glorious tradition in China. Their head-on collision was undoubtedly a life-and-death struggle between the sharpest spear and the strongest shield. The attacking cavalry of the alien tribe seemed to be surging like a river, their offensive waves unrelenting and each one higher than the last. However, the defenders were like an immovable reef, standing firm despite the crashing waves, then stirring up scattered ripples.
In the midst of fierce battle cries, countless blood and water splashed everywhere, while what were once lively lives turned into cold corpses. The battlefield was littered with mangled bodies and flying flesh and blood, like a Buddhist hell, evoking fear and even nausea. However, the soldiers on the battlefield were not affected by this, they just shouted and fought to the death, turning each other or themselves into corpses. Infected by the brutal atmosphere of the battlefield, the originally timid Hezhou soldiers finally burst out with their due strength under the leadership of the White Ears Army. Facing the enemy's long spears, they charged forward without fear, pouring all their anger into the dancing weapons in their hands.
The most brilliant performance on the battlefield was still the 8,000 soldiers of the White Ear Army and the 2,000 men under Bian Zhongxing. They had received the most systematic training in counter-cavalry warfare, they had precious experience of escaping from death, their weapons were also the most suitable for countering cavalry, and their fighting will was also the most determined. Therefore, from the beginning, they were the core of the entire battlefield. And the enemy army facing them was also the most ferocious iron-clad heavy cavalry, facing a pair of bloodthirsty eyes, they were fearless. They just held up their shields, mercilessly stabbing out the dragon spears in their hands. Every time they launched an attack, it would inevitably end one or even two lives. And the enemy's cavalry would always seize this rare opportunity, every time the White Ear Army soldiers exposed themselves from behind their shields, they would immediately bring a rain of arrows, and then another life would silently disappear. However, facing the continuous fall of comrades beside them, the Shen Zhou soldiers did not have time to grieve, and immediately filled his position. On the battlefield, there was no time to mourn, because no one knew who would be the next to fall, perhaps the next one would be oneself.
Dugu Yueming stood quietly in the midst of his army, knowing that if nothing unexpected happened, his 30,000 soldiers would be able to defeat the enemy's 20,000 cavalry. Although the enemy's offensive was still very strong, his defensive line was exceptionally solid. The arrows flying out from time to time in the rear army were like a bloody trench, slowly draining the enemy's strength without them realizing it. The enemy was still launching a desperate attack under the command of their general Yelü Shaoyang, but the cavalry that had fallen into a stalemate was unable to exert its due impact, and instead, the Qingfeng soldiers, relying on their numerical superiority, were continuously knocking the enemy's cavalry off their horses with increasingly skilled tactics. A cold smile involuntarily appeared on Dugu's face - the White Ears Army was originally the nemesis of cavalry, and he had both the advantage in numbers and terrain; if they still couldn't win, then he should die for his country. At this moment, a shout came from the city of Jizhou behind him, followed by the sound of countless horses' hooves pounding the ground. He couldn't help but smile slightly - the Autumn Bright soldiers had finally become impatient. Apart from himself and Bian Rong's 30,000 infantrymen, Huáng Tiān had an additional 80,000 cavalrymen in his hands. Although Autumn Bright was skilled at cavalry battles, facing the advantageous forces that were well-prepared, as well as fierce generals like Xue Kui, they would undoubtedly be defeated.
Qiu Ming's leader, Walle, was indeed the first brave warrior of Qiu Ming. With a long spear dancing in the wind, wherever he went, no one could match him for even a single move. The 30,000 Qiu Ming cavalry seemed to be fierce tigers descending from the mountains, charging into the Qingfeng army like tigers entering a flock of sheep. Although Huan Tian had been prepared early on, with only over 30,000 men in his hands, he was still shaken by the enemy's sudden attack. Fortunately, Xue Sha and Xin Ke were both invincible generals who led the army to gradually stabilize its footing. Xin Ke's double-bladed battle axe also happened to match up against Walle's long spear.
Xuanji furrowed his brow, with a hint of worry in his voice: "Your Excellency, I've always felt that something is off. The Autumn Bright soldiers are coming out in full force, and judging by their appearance, it seems they were well-prepared in advance. Don't they worry that we'll take advantage of the situation to occupy Jizhou City?"
Luo Xiang also nodded and said, "I think it's strange too. This Woller is brave but not wise, but he's not an idiot either. Why did he decide that we're not planning to attack Jizhou City?"
Haotian was also puzzled: "I don't understand either. Maybe Walle saw through our strategy of attacking separately, so he wants to make a desperate last stand. Military advisor, do you think it's time to reel in the net?"
Xuanji asked inexplicably: "Your Excellency, now that the morale of the Autumn Bright soldiers is high, if we can delay for a while, the effect will be much better. Moreover, our army has already stabilized its footing, why are you in such a hurry?"
Haotian explained, "I also understand this principle. Although we have the upper hand here, the battle on Dugu General's side is fierce. They are tightly grasping the throat of the Anzhou reinforcement army. If their direct troops suffer too much damage, it will be difficult for us to explain. Therefore, I hope to quickly annihilate the Autumn Ming army and then rush to support Dugu General."
Xuanji's face showed a hint of admiration, and Haotian was indeed worthy of respect for having such broad-mindedness. Ruo Xiang, on the other hand, spoke in a gloomy tone from the side: "Your Excellency, Dugu Yueming and Bian Zhongxing are both rare talents. If they lose their loved ones, it would be even more convenient for us to control them. With their help, our strength will surely rise to another level."
Hao Tian shook his head firmly: "Mr. Luo, I understand your kindness. However, with the country in crisis, we should unite and work together instead of plotting against each other. A good man should be upright and transparent. If those two are willing to stay and help me, it would be my honor. But if they want to leave, I won't stop them. Please don't mention this again, sir."
Xuanji and Luo Xiang both let out a sigh at the same time. Xuanji naturally admired Haotian's bright and straightforward character, and was also happy that he had chosen such a master. Luo Xiang, on the other hand, felt some regret. A man like Haotian who is so passionate and sentimental would naturally be the best person to form connections with, but this is precisely the biggest flaw of those in power. However, following a master like him can also be considered good fortune for a strategist.
Haotian waved his hand, Xuanji understood the intention, and with a flick of his wrist, a firework arrow shot out. A crisp sound was heard, and a huge firework suddenly burst open in the air. The hidden Fengjing and Tianyizheng also emerged from their hiding spots, unfurled their banners, and tens of thousands of troops swarmed out at once.
"Haha, I knew you bunch of bastards would pull a trick like this! Hey, kid, take another shot from your old man!" Woller laughed loudly, but the last sentence was directed at Xin Ke. Earlier, Xin Ke had seen him galloping around and, itching for a fight, specially came forward to duel with him one-on-one. Both were born with divine strength, and after dozens of rounds of fighting, they were surprisingly evenly matched. Although Xin Ke's power surpassed his opponent's, Woller had spent decades on horseback, and for the time being, Xin Ke was at a loss as to what to do with him.
Those in the central army, including Haotian, were taken aback upon hearing Walle's words. It was clear that the opponent had already known their strategy and was well-prepared. If so, they must have a hidden trump card. Thinking this, Haotian and others felt a sense of unease. Looking at the soldiers of Autumn Brightness, although they were surrounded, they didn't show any signs of panic, but instead became more courageous in battle. Their momentum was not that of a desperate beast, but rather like they had already won.
"General Jinjue immediately withdraw from the battlefield, Hu Xiaolong and Fengwu Army are all under the unified command of General Blood Kill, must annihilate the enemy army in the shortest time!" Hao Tian ordered without any hesitation.
"Master, why is this?" Lu Xiang asked, although he had already vaguely guessed what Huang Tian was thinking.
Haotian's expression turned solemn: "The enemy must have an ace up their sleeve, otherwise they wouldn't be so fearless. It's just that we don't know what their trump card is yet."
At this moment, a signal arrow suddenly rose from the Autumn Ming army, which was surrounded by siege. Suddenly, another firework burst in the sky. Then, two fireworks rose simultaneously in the north and northeast of the battlefield. Before Huang Tian and others could react, a black line mixed with dust had approached the battlefield.
"What's going on?" Haotian's face suddenly turned extremely gloomy.
"Reporting to the general, there are approximately 30,000 cavalrymen from the north led by Shi Zhou Huan Shu who are about to arrive on the battlefield. And in the northeast, there is Anzhou Shen Jie leading 10,000 cavalrymen and 15,000 infantrymen." A personal soldier came running over, his face covered in sweat and filled with fear, clearly under immense pressure from these two sudden armies.
"I didn't expect the foreign tribes to come out in full force. Ha! Man's plans are not as good as heaven's, it seems we've made a mistake." Hu Tian gritted his teeth and said. But after a moment, his face regained its usual firmness and determination: "Pass down my orders, tell the Golden Eagle Army to stop Huan Shu Tian's reinforcements at all costs; Blood Kill immediately gather the three armies' generals to surround and annihilate the Autumn Bright Army, the faster the better; inform Dugu General and Bian General that I currently cannot provide them with any reinforcements, hope they can hold on, after someone deals with Autumn Bright and Iron Eagle, someone will come to apologize to them."
After giving the order, Haotian's face was still gloomy and frightening. He exchanged a glance with Xuanji Luoxiang beside him. The three people in their minds simultaneously thought of a name: Yelu Canghai.
If Pang Yan is considered the first wise man within the Great Wall, then Yelü Changhai is a generation of proud people outside the pass. Twenty years ago, Yelü Changhai, who was already over 40 years old, began to take office as an official. Although he was a member of the royal family, at that time he was only a small official near the capital of Mandan Kingdom. However, within three years, he entered the imperial court and began to shine his light outside the pass. Ten years ago, he took office as the prime minister of Mandan, making the national power of Mandan rise rapidly, and soon became the leader of the northern regions. While diligently governing internal affairs, he also started taking steps towards external expansion. On one hand, he made peace with the neighboring Iron Eagle tribe, which had been a long-standing enemy; on the other hand, he united the surrounding countries of Baijing and Haixi, and under the drive of common interests, they gradually encroached upon the territory of Qingfeng. Due to the fact that Emperor Shen was incompetent and the imperial court was corrupt, in less than two years, all the territories outside the Great Wall had fallen. In 618, he took advantage of Emperor Shen's sudden death and united with the three major nomadic tribes in the northwest, launching a southern invasion and breaking through the Great Wall defense line, turning the entire Hebei region into a pasture for the northern ethnic groups. In 619, he organized a second coalition army to march south and fight against the Northern Expedition Army of Qingfeng Empire, occupying the entire Hetao region. However, due to the secret sabotage by the three major families, his army only reached the Yin Wind Mountain Range before stopping in its tracks, and he shifted his focus back to domestic affairs. Emperor Huangtian also took advantage of this opportunity to establish his own power.
Haotian dared to concentrate 100,000 troops to conquer the north this time, relying mainly on the fact that each of the three states in the north was defeated. The soldiers of the three states were all elite warriors. If it were a one-on-one duel, the Huasui soldiers would be at a disadvantage. However, Shi Zhou's Huan Shu Tian had no main vision, Anzhou's Ye Lü Zhaochang and Shen Jie had always been incompatible, and Ye Lü Zhaochang and Tiejing's Wole were sworn enemies. It was not difficult to capture Jizhou, especially after getting the help of Dugu Yuming and Bian Zhongxing. Haotian thought he had a sure win. However, no one expected that the soldiers and horses of Shi Zhou and Anzhou would come out in full force, and the enemy would use Wole's 30,000 cavalry and Ye Lü Zhaochang as bait to catch them off guard. Only Yelü Changhai could mobilize the armies of Qiūmíng and Bàijīng so smoothly and set up such a trap without making a sound. Haotian couldn't think of anyone else outside the pass who had such skills.
Of course, this was just Haotian's idea at the time. What he didn't think of was that in the three countries outside the pass, there was actually a more worthy opponent, only now he was still recovering from illness in his hometown.
Luo Xiang said worriedly, "I didn't expect that Shizhou and Anzhou would actually send their entire cities to reinforce us. Are they not afraid that we will retake the two states? Or have the reinforcements from their home countries already arrived?"
Xuanji shook his head: "Now that winter is approaching, their reinforcements can't possibly arrive so quickly in the Yellow River Basin. Moreover, half of the military strength of the three northeastern countries is concentrated in the 16 states of Youyun to prevent the imperial court's large army from advancing northward. In our vicinity of the Yellow River Basin, the troops they can mobilize quickly are absolutely no more than one million. And with such a big movement, our scouts would not be unaware. Although the nomadic tribes in the northwest have all soldiers, during winter to save fodder, their standing army will also decrease to a very low number. Even if they have organized reinforcements, it is impossible for them to arrive so quickly."
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