Liu Gong’s panting was formidable. Although he was riding on horseback, requiring minimal physical effort, his breath was heavy, resembling the bellows of a forge, emitting flames from within to without. The wind flowed into his throat through his mouth and nose, blocking the passage for sound. He had no choice but to spur the horse desperately, leading his men toward the depths of the mountain path.
Three hundred steps, five hundred steps, a thousand steps…
“Stop! Dismount and lie in ambush!” Liu Gong forcefully pulled the reins, halting at a narrow passage. It widened on the outside and narrowed within, forming a trumpet shape, with the mountains on both sides providing cover—a perfect spot for an ambush.
“One team with bows, one team with crossbows, the rest lie in ambush on both sides, follow my command!” Liu Gong dismounted and took out a long bow. Without much instruction, others adept with bows readied their weapons, while those with less stamina or injured arms equipped themselves with crossbows. They spread out on both sides, concealed among the trees along the mountain ridge.
How long could four hundred men hold off the enemy? And how many would survive? The general entrusted him with the ambush task, while he stayed behind to personally guard the rear. If he failed to execute the ambush successfully, how could he face the general again?
Leaning against a tree, Liu Gong blinked fiercely, squeezing out the troublesome dampness from his eyes. At this moment, time seemed to crawl at an unbearable pace. Everyone forgot their fatigue, concentrating intently and holding their breath.
Soon, the urgent sound of hooves echoed through the mountain path. At the forefront was a magnificent Wusun warhorse, its color obscured by dust, with shades of gray and brown indicating both dirt and blood. It carried a burden on its back, and those following behind were drenched in blood, resembling malevolent spirits. Over a hundred people charged through the narrow passage without pausing. Behind them, a more chaotic stampede of hooves followed, resonating like thunder, and shaking the entire valley.
Liu Gong fully drew the bowstring but didn’t release it immediately. When the grimacing and thunderous vanguard of four or five hundred enemies emerged from the narrow passage, he roared.
“Release the arrows!”
The sound echoed with the twang of strings as hundreds of arrows rained down, assaulting the incoming foes! In the narrow passage, many enemies fell from their horses in response. This sudden attack startled the enemy forces that had just emerged from the pass, and as they prepared to counterattack, soldiers hidden on both sides also rushed out. For a moment, the valley resounded with the cries of battle and the wails of pain.
With a crisp sound, Yiyan snapped off the arrow shaft lodged in his armor, turned his horse, and charged back in. This time, he didn’t wield a sword or spear but took out a powerful bow, swiftly pulling the string to full tension. Blood flowed down from the arrowhead embedded in his flesh, yet his hand showed no tremor. With a sharp twang, a high-ranking officer among the enemy forces fell from his horse. Subsequently, the second, the third… As he acted, the archers in ambush on the side also began collecting their toll with bows and crossbows.
With the central commanding officer gone, the enemy formation became even more chaotic. Many wanted to retreat, but the narrow passage was already blocked by a sea of corpses and horse carcasses. Yielding to fear only hastened their demise. Over a thousand rear troops stranded on the mountain path were also intimidated by this onslaught, hesitating to advance.
Seeing the enemy casualties piling up, Yiyan lowered his bow and shouted, “Retreat!”
To cross the mountain path and pursue again would take a considerable amount of time. This was their best opportunity to shake off the enemy.
An opportunity bought with lives.
Following the command, more than nine hundred people mounted their horses again, heading south, fleeing towards where they came from.
※
Another group of soldiers and horses was also in flight.
In just two days, Duan Jilu’s mouth had blistered with a string of curses, his heart filled with urgency and anger. He no longer had the luxury to consider Wang Chang’s plans. The previous battle in Leping had truly shattered the last remnants of his pride.
The Northern Army was too powerful!
This wasn’t about defending the city or launching a sneak attack; it was a straightforward confrontation between large armies. The tactics he had witnessed not only didn’t weaken the enemy but multiplied in strength! Just the thought of that swarm-like crossbow formation and the forest of sharp peaks filled him with dread. Such foot soldiers were truly formidable, not even fearing cavalry!
Unable to conquer through attack, unable to crush through battle, and losing substantial forces due to the enemy’s diversionary tactics—Duan Jilu was not willing to take further risks in staying in Bing County. To return, the quickest method was to head north to Yanmen. However, even for cavalry, taking this detour would require several days to return to You County.
A path of escape with no provisions and pursuers on their tail. What kind of battle were the Xianbei Iron Riders supposed to fight?!
But what could Duan Jilu do? With the death of Wang Jun, You County was likely to fall into chaos. In times of great disorder, any military force was precious. If Wang Bin inherited Wang Jun’s legacy, the relationship between the Duan family and the Wang family might continue for some time. If it ended up being Wang Zhou, that inexperienced youngster, things could take an unpredictable turn.
Blame it on Wang Jun’s greed. If he hadn’t intervened in Bing County, perhaps it wouldn’t have escalated to this extent.
Duan Jilu disregarded his initial intentions of attacking Bing County, secretly shifting the blame onto Wang Jun. He increasingly showed disdain for Wang Chang, the overseer. With most of the You county soldiers in Wang Chang’s hands having suffered heavy casualties, they now depended entirely on the Duan Xianbei cavalry—there was no room for argument. The two of them managed to reach a rare agreement on military matters, ignoring everything else and focusing solely on escaping Bing County.
Whether it was due to a shortage of Bing County cavalry or the opponent’s determination to defend, there were closed city gates at every turn, but the pursuers were indeed few. When the army finally leaped beyond the borders of Bing County and entered You County, Duan Jilu breathed a sigh of relief. Once back in You County, things would be easier to handle; they could always requisition supplies. As for the blame for the significant defeat, with Wang Chang taking the lead, what was there to fear? They just needed to quickly discuss with his father how the Duan Xianbei would proceed this time.
The expeditionary force, from the supreme commander to the foot soldiers, all loosened their tightly strung nerves, starting to reorganize and gather provisions. However, a cavalry unit silently appeared on their flank.
“Have those Duan dogs finally arrived?” Tuoba Yilu spat out the grass stem he had in his mouth, stretching lazily. “How many soldiers and horses do they have?”
“Less than fifty thousand. And they are suffering from a shortage of provisions, currently collecting supplies from various places,” the scout quickly reported.
Collecting supplies might sound refined, but it essentially meant forcing the counties to open their granaries and provide them with provisions. However, they had come to the wrong place. After several months of expansion, the Tuoba tribe already controlled three out of the four counties in Dai Jun, and they were on the verge of reclaiming the entire region. The major obstacle was the Duan Xianbei. Now, this weary army had stumbled into their hands. Even if it weren’t for the task entrusted by Lord Liang, they would still have to engage in battle.
Moreover, Lord Liang was truly generous. He had already made it clear that You County was on the brink of chaos, and they were free to occupy it as they pleased, whether in terms of territory or wealth. In this battle, they had to expand their territory, perhaps taking over Guangning County, which was adjacent to Dai Jun. Heading further north, they would be encroaching on the territories of the Duan, Yuwen, and Murong tribes. If they could assimilate these tribes, the Tuoba tribe would become powerful beyond imagination.
The alliance with that Lord Liang was indeed a wise move by his uncle!
“While they are short on provisions, let’s give them a little surprise attack,” Tuoba Yilu’s lips revealed a wolf-like smile.
What was a weary army worth?
※
“Uncle, Wang Jun is dead, Ji City is in chaos, and even the Duan Xianbei have suffered tens of thousands of casualties. You County is likely to have no peace soon,” without the mourning attire, Zu Ti knelt in front of his uncle, the head of the Zu clan, and spoke.
The head of the Zu clan frowned, “Do you really want to ally with that Liang Governor?”
“Not only do we want to ally, but we should also bring along something,” Zu Ti smiled faintly. “Now that others are preoccupied, isn’t it a perfect opportunity for territorial gains? If we send some private soldiers to assist Lord Liang in capturing Zhongshan County?”
The Zu clan resided in Wuxian County, Fanyang State, right next to Zhongshan County in Ji County. With You County already taken, the next step was undoubtedly to swallow up the remaining counties in Ji County. While the Zu clan’s private soldiers weren’t numerous, they were extremely familiar with the local situation and had close ties with the Liu clan in Zhongshan. If they could persuade them to join forces, they could undoubtedly capture Zhongshan more quickly.
Such an opportunity was truly rare.
“But in doing so, how will the Zu clan settle in You County…” The clan leader’s face showed even more concern. After all, they were a major clan in You County. If they really allied with the Governor of Bing County, what would happen to their family property?
“Where to settle is no longer the key issue,” Zu Ti’s expression turned serious. “Now that the world is in chaos, it’s not the same situation as during the Taikang era. Even if the Zu clan doesn’t migrate south, staying in You County is not a long-term solution. With the death of Wang Pengzu, Liang Zixi can take advantage to occupy You County and Ji County. Half of Si County is also in his hands. Prince Donghai has just died suddenly, and Luoyang may become chaotic again. Rather than holding onto a corner, it’s better to seek another way out!”
Zu Ti was the most outstanding figure of the current generation of the Zu clan, and every word he spoke was incisive and to the point. The clan leader couldn’t help but ponder for a moment, then nodded, “Since Shizhi sees it this way, let’s follow your advice.”
These words relieved Zu Ti, and after a few more words with the clan leader, he exited the hall. As July came to an end, the weather in You County began to cool, but within his heart, a fervor burned like a blazing fire.
However, in these two months of mourning, the world had undergone dramatic changes. Who would have thought that Liang Zixi’s words back then were not mere falsehoods? Before he could step out, the Battle of You and Bing had concluded. Without exerting any effort or gaining any merit, he had missed a golden opportunity to showcase his abilities. By the time Liang Zixi truly became a figure like Wang Jun or Sima Yue, would he still receive the same courtesy as before?
So, he must lend a hand in the Battle of Zhongshan County. Zu Ti had quite a bit of confidence in his own judgment. At least, he was much smarter than his old friend Liu Kun, who had joined Sima Yue’s camp.
Back then, he retreated to a humble hut in the name of mourning. Now, it was time to return to this turbulent world.
With a proud smile, Zu Ti lifted his steps and walked toward the barracks of his troops.
※
A long neigh echoed, and the horse’s front hooves softened, tossing the rider off its back.
“General!” Several bodyguards exclaimed, and some had already rushed over on horseback.
However, before anyone could assist, Yiyan struggled to prop up his body, slowly standing up. This fall had indeed been quite heavy. His eyes were blurred, his steps unsteady, and even his helmet had fallen to the ground. Yet, his ash-blue eyes remained unmoving, gazing at the horse beneath him, exhausted and battered.
Unable to discern its original color, the horse’s hindquarters and body were covered in cuts and arrow wounds. Even its hind legs were now bent at peculiar angles. Whether it collided with a sharp object during the fall was unclear, but thick bloodstains flowed along its dirty mane, dripping onto the ground.
That was his cherished companion, the first steed presented to him by the lord—a magnificent Wusun horse, his beloved mount.
The horse convulsed violently, struggling with a series of mournful neighs, yet it failed to rise from the ground. Yiyan’s knees went weak, and he knelt in that pool of blood. Upon seeing its master, the cherished companion quieted down, ceasing its struggles. It merely panted heavily, rubbing its dirty head against Yiyan’s knees.
“General, it’s not going to make it… and there are pursuers behind us,” Liu Gong limped over, whispering.
Both of them, having a background as cavalrymen, understood the significance of a cherished steed for a knight. This horse was the general’s only mount since he joined the military—brave, agile, and deeply attuned to human emotions. Who in the Tiger Wolf Camp wouldn’t envy it?
But now, it couldn’t go on. After days of arduous travel and several charges into the thick of battle, it had shared in the wounds of General Yi. Until now, it stumbled in a place where stumbling should have been impossible, collapsing by the roadside due to sheer exhaustion.
Such injuries were beyond salvation. Moreover, they didn’t have the time.
Yiyan didn’t reply. He simply reached out, caressing the cherished companion’s nose. It was its favorite spot to be touched, often nudging against people for comfort. However, today, the horse didn’t shake its head or wag its tail. It just wearily nudged its master’s palm with its nose.
Even the breath it exhaled carried traces of blood. The stains beneath its knees had expanded. Tremors coursed through the horse’s body, its muscles convulsing, and even its mane quivered, shaking the severed limbs as if it couldn’t endure the prolonged, intense pain. Yet, this time, it didn’t neigh in agony; instead, it gazed at its master with pleading eyes.
Yiyan’s usually steady and resolute hands began to tremble. He reached into his chest, drawing out a short dagger—a gift from the lord, much like the cherished companion.
As if sensing its master’s intention, the Wusun horse blinked, closing its eyes obediently.
The dagger pierced into the horse’s chest and abdomen with a single thrust. Without any painful struggles, it seemed to fall into a serene slumber, relaxing its body.
“General…” Liu Gong’s voice choked once again. In these days, how many pursuits had they escaped? Not just horses, but fallen comrades, who could count them?
Now, only a little over seven hundred men could keep up, and they were still more than two hundred li away from Qinghe.
“Bypass Bohai and enter Si County through Pingyuan Pass,” Yiyan slowly stood up. His eyes were dry, and his voice icy.
He had no intention of going to Qinghe. Liu Gong hesitated, “But is there a problem with going through Qinghe?”
“Directly enter the Fukou Pass,” Yiyan did not answer the question. The people he had killed and the troubles he had caused were indeed not insignificant. Who could guarantee the actions of Ding Shao and the other county governors and military commanders along this route?
He wanted to return to Bing County, back to Shangdang. He wanted to be by the lord’s side again. This time, nothing could stop him!
The road ahead was so long, but looking at those mismatched irises, Liu Gong’s heart suddenly surged with anticipation. He, too, was a person from Bing County, and what could possibly prevent him from returning to his hometown?!
“General, ride my horse!” Several soldiers by his side spoke up in unison. Yiyan took a deep breath, chose a horse that could barely pass muster, and attempted to mount. Whether it was due to his injuries or the severity of the fall, he struggled twice before managing to clamber onto the horse. However, once he stabilized himself in the saddle, his back straightened like a spear.
Yiyan raised his voice, shouting loudly, “Follow me back to Bing County! Back to Shangdang!”
Bing County! Shangdang! The muted morale, once again, surged.
All the remaining soldiers tightened their reins, shouting in unison, “Back to Bing County! Back to Shangdang!”
Back to their hometown!
The sound of hooves rang out once again, accompanied by dust, rolling towards the distance.
