Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
As soon as the day broke, the Xiongnu camp resounded with the constant neighing of horses. Every rider, armed and mounted, was ready for action. Fifty thousand elite cavalry were divided into left and right wings, accompanied by ten thousand light cavalry forming a scouting unit. Once they launched an attack, it would be a thunderous charge with ten thousand horses galloping and ten thousand arrows released simultaneously. With such a massive cavalry formation, any gap in the enemy’s defense would undoubtedly be exploited!
Early in the morning, Liu Yao led his personal troops to ascend the hills near the main camp. Positioned at a higher vantage point, they had a clear view, allowing them to observe the movements of the enemy camp and monitor the surroundings effectively. Liu Yao was no stranger to facing the forces of Bing County; he knew they excelled in cunning tactics. Ambushes, surprise attacks, and night battles were their specialties. The most formidable challenge, however, was their long-range and unstoppable Thunderbolt Cannons.
However, this time, perhaps due to the temporary nature of their camp, there was no sign of Thunderbolt Cannons in the enemy camp. Taking advantage of the favorable terrain, it would be impossible for the enemy to conceal such towering weapons right under their noses. This alone saved them a lot of trouble!
This was the best opportunity for an attack, and it must not be missed!
Unexpectedly, the enemy camp in the distance did not follow the anticipated strategy of closing the camp tightly and defending it. Instead, the entire army mobilized and formed ranks outside the camp.
Without Thunderbolt Cannons, did they still intend to engage in open-field battle against the enemy? Or was the camp not fortified enough, requiring them to confront the enemy directly? Liu Yao’s breath quickened, and he shouted loudly, “Wings, attack simultaneously and encircle the enemy! Infantry, hold the rear and be ready for action!”
As the command was issued, cavalry galloped into formation. Hooves pounded, raising clouds of dust as they surged towards the enemy camp.
Liu Yao squinted his eyes, focusing on the elevated platform in the enemy camp. Could that weakling withstand such a fierce assault?
Adorned in golden armor, Liang Feng stepped forward, gazing at the approaching cavalry. When they set up camp, their chosen site lacked the natural advantages of the Xiongnu camp nestled by the mountains and rivers. However, this slight disadvantage was not a major issue. Two observation towers had been erected in the camp, each more than three zhang high. Below each tower, there stood a platform over a zhang high. Standing on the platform provided a clear view both inside and outside the camp.
Despite being within the camp, the scene before them closely resembled the battlefield. With a flowing cape behind him, under the scorching sun, Liang Feng, hands behind his back, stood proudly and gave the command, “Drumbeat!”
Beside him, a strong man lifted a wooden mallet, and the resounding drumbeats instantly spread across the surroundings. It was a signal for the commencement of battle and also a rallying cry. The infantry formed their ranks, relying on indomitable courage. As long as the formation held, the cavalry couldn’t breach their ranks!
Will his military formation be broken?
Amidst the continuous rumbling of war drums, the two armies clashed like a torrent against an iron wall at a certain location!
Tens of thousands of infantry formed their ranks, swords and spears stood like a forest, shields forming an impregnable wall. Faced with such a solid formation, even the cavalry dared not charge recklessly. Like roaming wolves, the cavalry on both wings began to contract, surrounding the military formation and shooting arrows. Arrows fell like rain, clattering as they struck against the raised shields.
Disturbing the enemy with bows and crossbows, launching constant charges, and seizing opportunities to find openings in the line – this was a typical cavalry tactic. Especially on an open field with no obstacles, it was extremely advantageous. However, the massive formation before them stood as firm as a rock, unmoved by the slightest tremor. On all sides were rows of long spears and towering iron shields, resembling a shell covered in spikes, impervious to any attempt to shake it.
It must get closer, exert more pressure, and let the rain of arrows fly into the formation. This tactic was well-known among the skilled archers of the Xiongnu warriors. However, no one could achieve it.
In the center of the military formation, arrows were shot out like a swarm of locusts!
These were not regular bows but powerful crossbows! Even at a greater distance, the power of arrow crossbows remained undiminished. Within fifty paces of the military formation, a feathered wall emerged. Any cavalry daring to enter would be shot down from their horses by the densely packed arrows!
How could archery from horseback compare to crossbow shooting on foot? The surging black tide was forcibly pushed back by the crossbow bolts!
On the hilltop, Liu Yao furrowed his brows. The military formation was denser than he had imagined. Even without the support of thunderbolt cannons, relying solely on bows and crossbows, they managed to defend their position.
A change in strategy was necessary.
Fixating his gaze on the enemy formation, even from a considerable distance, the figures on the elevated platform were vaguely visible. What if he attacked where the enemy was most likely to defend?
“Send the light cavalry to press forward and attack their main camp!” Liu Yao ordered.
Despite having fewer troops than the enemy, since the enemy infantry was already constrained, could their empty main camp be attacked?
Another cavalry unit rushed out of the formation. Liu Yao kept his eyes fixed on the enemy camp. Could the enemy react in time to such a chaotic battle?
“The Xiongnu are sending troops to attack our camp,” Zhang Bin stepped forward and reported in a low voice.
The watchtower was not built in vain; it was equipped with a telescope. Not only the enemy camp but even the waving flags in the enemy camp could be seen clearly. With such a tool, how could the movements of the enemy army go unnoticed?
“Let the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry go and check it out,” Liang Feng ordered. In such a confrontation, the command camp couldn’t possibly be unaware of the enemy’s movements.
Since it was a face-to-face confrontation, it was impossible to deploy all the forces upfront. The cavalry in the Bing County army was also ready to go. Using a static strategy was much safer than rashly launching an attack. Moreover, what they were equipped with was not just light cavalry.
Like a slanted scimitar, the elite riders of the Xiongnu attacked Bing County army’s main camp. The movement speed of the cavalry was not something infantry could keep up with. Once they tore through the enemy camp, the flanks would follow suit. At that time, the enemy’s formation would become a stumbling block preventing them from returning to defend. And when the formation collapsed, facing infantry against cavalry, they would be nothing more than fish on a chopping block!
However, before the planned tactics could be executed, a cavalry unit charged straight towards them!
The enemy had actually seen through their intentions? The Xiongnu cavalry leader remained composed. It was just a light cavalry, how could they compare to their valiant warriors? The horn blared, hooves thundered, and bows were drawn to full, awaiting the clash!
Facing the eager Xiongnu elite riders, the Bing County iron cavalry, with over a hundred vanguard riders, formed a fan-shaped formation, revealing the warhorses that covered their rear.
With narrow face veils, neck rings, and a chest covered in iron armor, composed of interwoven leather and iron. Two thousand warhorses, from head to toe, were wrapped in armor, not to mention the knights on horseback.
Not good, they were heavy cavalry! The Xiongnu cavalry leader was suddenly startled, trying to evade. However, charging headlong, where was there an opportunity to dodge? The heavy cavalry, wielding lances, charged into the enemy formation!
Liu Yao took two steps forward abruptly. What was happening? The cavalry he sent was cut down by the enemy!
The numbers were clearly equal, so how did this sudden change occur?
“Quick, let the left wing go to the rescue!” This was a main force, and if it was defeated by the enemy, the entire battle would be affected.
But his orders, no matter how quickly given, couldn’t match the movements in the formation.
In the Bing County main camp, the drumbeat changed suddenly, the military formation that had just been arranged like a spiked ball suddenly expanded! Soldiers holding large shields advanced three steps together, while crossbowmen expanded their formation, moving behind the shield bearers.
This movement immediately increased the range of the arrow and crossbow by more than ten paces. If the cavalry had been prepared and vigilant, standing ready for an attack, it wouldn’t have been affected. However, just after receiving the military order and about to swoop in for the rescue, they encountered such a sudden assault. It was like a sharp blade stabbing into the side, and even the elite cavalry experienced in formations couldn’t guard against it!
The cavalry formation instantly fell into chaos.
This was bad. Seeing the attack on both flanks, the situation turned disadvantageous. Liu Yao made a decisive decision: “Sound the horn! Quickly withdraw the troops!”
Unable to control the situation, he could still choose to retreat. After all, they were all light cavalry, and the enemy wouldn’t catch up no matter what. However, he hadn’t expected the first battle to turn out like this.
Infantry in a field battle, without the support of thunderbolt cannons, could actually withstand a cavalry assault. If the enemy had prepared artillery, how would he cope?
No, tomorrow they must change their approach. With superior forces, even if it dragged on, they would wear down the enemy! With limited provisions, he couldn’t afford to delay!
