Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3865 Knowing it's impossible
The walls of Xin'an City gleamed with a cool light under the winter sun.

Jiang Jiong, under the command of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, swept westward after crossing the river at Mengjin, where he joined forces with Hao Zhao's troops who had marched east from Tongguan, using Xin'an as their forward base. Behind them, Xun Chen was doing his utmost to manage supplies and stabilize the newly recovered Hongnong region. Jiang Jiong's mission was to act as the western flank of the eastward-advancing army, forming a pincer movement with the main force to compress Cao Cao's operational space.

"General Jiang, General Hao has arrived." The report from the personal guard interrupted Jiang Jiong's thoughts.

Hao Zhao climbed the city wall, weary from his journey. Although he was inevitably tired, his eyes remained sharp.

The two exchanged brief greetings and quickly shared the military intelligence they each possessed.

"The General's order has arrived, commanding us to advance swiftly and strike at Yique Pass." Jiang Jiong handed an order to Hao Zhao, his tone urgent. "We will march south to attack the pass, firstly to probe the strength of Mount Song, and secondly to cut off their retreat!"

Hao Zhao carefully read the order and pondered, "Yique is the gateway to Yu and Jing provinces. If Cao Cao truly flees to Mount Song, this place will surely be heavily fortified."

Jiang Jiong nodded, "Only by crashing into them head-on can we test their strength! If it's truly a feint, breaking through Yique will leave Cao Cao's army on the Songshan front isolated. I can then advance east and west with the General, trapping them like turtles in a jar!"

A powerful attack forced Cao Cao's army to reveal themselves.

Leveraging the superior armor and morale of the cavalry, they conducted reconnaissance with firepower, using brute force to overcome cunning.

Hao Zhao nodded, more cautious yet equally aware that opportunities were fleeting: "In that case, I am willing to cover the rear for the General, securing the supply lines and guarding against any possible attacks from remaining Cao forces around Hongnong. The General can lead the elite troops forward without worry."

"Alright!" Jiang Jiong didn't stand on ceremony. "I'll muster the troops immediately, and we'll set off at dawn tomorrow, heading straight for Yique!"

Jiang Jiong and Hao Zhao came for the same reason.

Before seeking victory, one should consider defeat. Hao Zhao is capable of handling the situation around Hongnong, which allows Jiang Jiong to launch an attack with peace of mind.

However, Xun Yu and Han Hao, who were ordered to "bluff" in the direction of Songshan to cover the main force's eastward retreat, had already anticipated that the Flying Cavalry might split up and head south to attack the pass.

While Yique Pass is indeed strategically important, if the Flying Cavalry were to easily reach its gates or even launch an attack, the true strength of this "feint" force would be exposed. Therefore, it is essential to slow down the Flying Cavalry as much as possible and to intercept and inflict sufficient damage on them before they reach the pass, thus solidifying the illusion that Cao Cao's main force is located in the south.

Xun Yu and Han Hao chose a place called "Sanchakou" about fifty miles north of Yique Pass for their main defense.

This place was originally nameless, but it got its name because the confluence of loess plateaus formed a valley pass resembling a three-way intersection.

When Jiang Jiong led the vanguard of the Flying Cavalry to the crossroads, what came into view was a well-organized and orderly Cao army formation built according to the terrain.

Cao Jun's formation was not simply a defensive one.

At the very front are interspersed antlers, barricades, and shallow trenches.

Although the soil hardens and becomes difficult to dig in winter, this shallow trench is better than nothing.

Of course, the most important defensive force remained the solid line of swordsmen and spearmen arrayed densely behind these simple fortifications. A considerable number of archers and crossbowmen were also deployed on the flanks, relying on the hills.

Meanwhile, behind the array of swords, shields, and spears, beneath the high-flying banner bearing the character "Xun," there was a whole row of barbed chariots, ready to fill in at any time.

Jiang Jiong reined in his warhorse, squinted at the opposing army formation, and felt not fear, but a burning fighting spirit rising in his heart.

"The Xun Clan?" Jiang Jiong immediately shouted to the messenger beside him, "Order them to form ranks! The vanguard will advance first and fire a test volley! Scouts on both flanks will spread out and search for weaknesses!"

The cavalry were well-trained and quickly deployed into battle formation.

However, before the Flying Cavalry could fully form their ranks, the drums in Cao Cao's army changed, and the previously disciplined formation suddenly began to move. It wasn't a charge, but rather, like a moving bulwark, it slowly pressed forward for over a hundred paces, finding itself in a somewhat awkward position for the Flying Cavalry. The Flying Cavalry lacked the speed and space to charge forward, but Cao Cao's archers and crossbowmen could take advantage of the distance.

Cao Cao's archers also began to fire indiscriminately at the Flying Cavalry, and the whistling rain of arrows suppressed the Flying Cavalry's range of movement...

"Such precise control of the situation..." Jiang Jiong felt a chill run down his spine.

Xun Yu clearly had an excellent grasp of battlefield distance and the timing of attack transitions, giving Jiang Jiong little room to maneuver, thereby reducing the battlefield impact capability of the Flying Cavalry.

"Rapid fire from both flanks to suppress the enemy archers! Vanguard! Throw grenades! They've broken Cao Cao's shield formation!"

Jiang Jiong quickly gave orders in an attempt to regain the initiative.

The cavalry began to counterattack Cao Cao's army, and arrows and crossbow bolts from both sides clashed.

However, the terrain was unfortunate enough to favor Cao Cao's army. The cavalry's spread was limited, resulting in insufficient space for maneuver. Moreover, the crucial point was that Xun Yu had encountered Jiang Jiong's tactic of using grenades to break through the enemy's lines before...

When Cao Jun saw that Jiang Jiong had sent his vanguard to try to approach the infantry formation, a series of rapid clapper sounds immediately rang out in Cao Jun's ranks. The shield formation in front suddenly parted slightly to the sides, and several side wagons were pushed out. Behind the wagons, more than a hundred Cao Jun archers armed with crossbows emerged and unleashed a volley of fire at the Flying Cavalry cavalry who were preparing to throw grenades at extremely close range!
This volley of crossbow bolts was rapid, dense, and unexpected!
Immediately, screams rang out from the front ranks of the cavalry. Dozens of soldiers fell to the ground, struck by arrows. Many grenades were not even thrown in time, exploding with a loud bang. Not only did they fail to damage Cao Cao's formation much, but they also halted the momentum of their attack!
"Damn it!" Jiang Jiong saw clearly that the other side had anticipated his reaction and set a small trap. He couldn't help but feel angry. "Send out the left wing cavalry and flank them on the hills! Charge down those archers!"

Five hundred light cavalrymen responded and charged out, their hooves thundering, attempting to tear a gap in the flank.

The hills on the left wing are relatively low, and the slopes are gentler.

However, just as the cavalry charged up the left flank hills, a considerable number of Cao army soldiers suddenly emerged from behind the hills, led by a general in black armor, and fearlessly met them!
The general, wielding a long sword, was exceptionally brave and fierce; it was none other than Han Hao!

The two groups of soldiers clashed violently, shouting and neighing, amidst the flashing of swords and the fierce fighting that ensued.

The Flying Cavalry were naturally better equipped, but Cao Cao's army was clearly also elite, and with the advantage of the terrain and a spirit of certain death, they managed to barely hold off the Flying Cavalry's charge.

Jiang Jiong organized another grenade tactic, but it was not very effective.

On the one hand, the power of gunpowder grenades was not as strong as the defensive grenades of later generations. On the other hand, Cao Cao's army had become quite accustomed to the cavalry's grenade tactics, and some of Cao Cao's soldiers were so quick that they could even pick up the grenades and throw them back...

If shortcuts fail, then the only option left is to use the most basic methods.

fight.

On the front lines, after Jiang Jiong commanded his troops to stabilize their position, he launched another strong attack.

The soldiers of the Flying Cavalry were fierce and well-armored, and they charged wave after wave at Cao Cao's defenses.

However, Xun Yu's formation was extremely resilient. The front row of swordsmen and shieldmen held firm, while the rear row of spearmen thrust like a forest. The flanks were constantly hurled with crossbow bolts for support, and the reserve force followed the chariots to fill any gaps.

The cavalry broke through the front lines several times, but were always repelled by timely counterattacks.

The battle reached a stalemate.

Despite having the advantage of cavalry, Jiang Jiong felt as if he had punched a cotton-covered iron plate when the terrain was unfavorable. His power was neutralized layer by layer, making it difficult to achieve a decisive breakthrough.

Xun Yu's military tactics did not pursue unconventional methods, but rather maximized the use of conventional troops. His formation changes, troop deployments, and coordination between ranged and melee combat all demonstrated his superb command skills and meticulous calculations. Han Hao's bravery ensured that the flanks remained intact, and he could even launch small-scale counterattacks occasionally, preventing Jiang Jiong from committing all his forces to a full-scale frontal assault.

As the sun sets, the battlefield at the crossroads is littered with corpses, and blood stains the frozen earth red, yet the outcome remains undecided.

The cavalry failed to break through Cao Cao's lines, and Cao Cao's army was also unable to repel the cavalry. Jiang Jiong had no choice but to order a retreat, withdrawing five li to set up camp.

In the camp, Jiang Jiong spread out a map and, by candlelight, began to rack his brains for a way to defeat the enemy.

A direct assault would result in too many losses; a flanking maneuver would be better.
Terrain limitations...

Moreover, the roundabout route takes time!

If we are dragged here like this, wouldn't that play right into Cao Cao's hands?

The stalemate at the crossroads continued into the afternoon of the following day.

Jiang Jiong attempted several different offensive tactics, even personally leading elite troops to attack the junction of Cao Cao's positions, but all of these were thwarted by Xun Yu's calm command and Han Hao's timely flanking counterattacks.

The battle was fierce, and casualties on both sides were increasing. Just as Jiang Jiong gritted his teeth and prepared to commit more reserves and launch a general offensive at all costs, the situation on the battlefield suddenly changed!

To the southeast, a thick cloud of dust rose up from the once calm horizon without warning!
Immediately afterwards, the sharp bugle call of the Flying Cavalry attacked pierced the air, and a Flying Cavalry cavalry unit bearing the character "Zhu" on its banners suddenly charged in from another road at the crossroads, like divine soldiers descending from the sky, heading straight for the relatively weak right flank of Cao Cao's army!
It's Zhu Ling!
He was ordered by the General of the Flying Cavalry to lead his cavalry to the battlefield!

This completely shattered the balance of the battlefield...

Cao's army had been fighting hard for days, and their morale was already lower than Jiang Jiong's. It was only thanks to Xun Yu's skillful deployment of troops and Han Hao's valiant fighting that they were able to barely maintain their defensive line.

To withstand the overwhelming pressure from Jiang Jiong's frontal assault, almost all available troops had been deployed to the front lines and left flank. The flanks and reserves were left largely undefended. Zhu Ling's cavalry, riding high on their momentum, chose an angle of attack that precisely targeted the weakest link in Cao Cao's defensive chain!
Upon seeing this, Xun Yu's heart sank; his worst fears had come true!

"Don't panic!" Xun Yu forced himself to remain calm. "General Han! Quickly send a contingent of troops to the right flank and hold off that cavalry force! Meanwhile, tighten the defensive line at the front and move towards the center!"

Upon receiving the order, Han Hao immediately mobilized troops to try to intercept Zhu Ling.

On the other hand, how could Jiang Jiong let this opportunity pass by?

Seeing that Cao Cao's army was faltering, Jiang Jiong immediately ordered a fierce attack: "All troops, advance! Cao Cao's army is in disarray! Now is the time to defeat them!"

With Jiang Jiong launching a fierce and overwhelming offensive from the front and Zhu Ling's cavalry flanking from the rear, Cao's army was immediately plunged into an unprecedented predicament.

Even with his exceptional wisdom and resourcefulness, Xun Yu was now at a loss for what to do.

He tried his best to mobilize and rebuild the defense line, but Cao's troops, under the intense pressure of being attacked from both sides, had inevitably begun to fall into chaos.

The key point is that even though Xun Yu and Han Hao commanded Cao Cao's elite troops, their spirits and bodies were already exhausted after several days of high-intensity marching, ambushes, and fierce battles.

Currently, the fight against Jiang Jiong is still supported by Xun Yu's prestige and the defensive fortifications. However, the sudden and fierce attack from Zhu Ling on the flank has amplified and spread the fear of being surrounded and annihilated.

First, some soldiers in the rear guard, whose ranks had been broken by Zhu Ling's cavalry, began to flee.

Subsequently, troops on the flanks and those near the breakthrough point were also affected.

The officers' shouts and killings gradually lost their effectiveness, and the entire Cao army formation, like a dam soaked by a flood, began to collapse and disintegrate from multiple points.

Xun Yu stood on the war chariot, looking at the cavalry rushing in from all directions and the increasingly uncontrollable rout of his own forces, his face pale.

He knew that the game was over.

Staying any longer would only lead to total annihilation.

"My lord! This is hopeless! Retreat immediately!" Covered in blood, Han Hao rushed through the chaos of battle to the front of the chariot, urgently shouting, "This humble general is willing to lead the elite troops to cover your retreat to Yique Pass!"

Xun Yu looked at this general who, although not surnamed Cao, had always been loyal and brave, and a trace of regret and helplessness flashed in his eyes.

Xun Yu also seemed to see his own reflection in Han Hao.

However, at this moment, Xun Yu also had to make a choice.

Xun Yu grabbed Han Hao's arm and said urgently in a low voice, "Yuan Si, there's no need to fight to the death! Just delay as much as possible! I've already ordered some gunpowder to be planted in strategic retreat areas; here's a rough map of the locations!"

Xun Yu handed a small leather pouch to Han Hao, saying, "Find an opportunity to light it; it might slow down the pursuing enemy! Remember, take care of yourself and seize the chance to escape!"

"Understood, sir!" Han Hao nodded emphatically, stuffed the leather pouch into his robes, turned, and roared, "Those who aren't afraid to die, follow me! Cover your retreat!"

Han Hao gathered the few hundred most loyal and courageous soldiers he could still command, mostly his personal guards, and quickly occupied a narrow pass on the only road to Yique Pass and a small hill nearby, constructing a makeshift defensive position. Xun Yu, under the protection of the remaining troops, retreated rapidly towards Yique Pass.

Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip by. After defeating the enemy in front of them, the two forces quickly merged and launched a fierce attack on Han Hao's rearguard.

Han Hao led from the front, fighting to the death and using the terrain to inflict considerable casualties on the pursuing troops.

As the fierce battle raged until dusk, the cavalry's offensive slowed down somewhat.

Han Hao finally had time to take out the leather pouch to check it, and as soon as he touched it, he felt a chill in his heart!
It wasn't that Xun Yu harmed him, but rather that during the battle, the leather pouch had somehow been damaged and torn, allowing blood to seep in. The paper inside was naturally stained with blood, causing some of the ink to become smudged and illegible!

But no matter what, we can't stay here any longer!

Left with no other option, Han Hao could only retreat along the barely visible path...

Han Hao's every move attracted the pursuit of Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling.

Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling have now joined forces. They had deliberately slowed down their offensive earlier, all for this moment!
Zhu Ling brought the General of the Cavalry's military order, which was to capture a high-ranking general in Cao Cao's army and find out Cao Cao's true intentions.

Ordinary soldiers in Cao Cao's army, due to their lower rank and the fact that the vast majority of them were illiterate and unable to count, would find it difficult to discern the specific details behind the limited vocabulary used to describe them, such as "many," "a lot," and "a great many."

Therefore, defeating, surrounding, and capturing high-ranking military officers and generals in Cao Cao's army became one of Zhu Ling's secondary tasks.

Following the blood-stained and filthy "Blood Scheme in a Skin Bag," Han Hao retreated all the way. Whether by luck or bad, he actually found a place where Xun Yu had buried gunpowder before his retreat, and lit it when the pursuing cavalry approached!

"boom!"

Flames flickered, and dirt and stones flew everywhere.

The five or six closest cavalrymen were engulfed by fire and sand.

However, due to the limited amount of gunpowder, the actual damage was not significant. It only successfully created chaos and a brief pause for the pursuing cavalry, leading them to mistakenly believe that Cao Cao's army still had ambushes or other cunning tactics, causing them to stop and conduct a search and patrol.

Taking advantage of this precious respite, Han Hao led his remaining troops to retreat towards Yique Pass overnight, following the blood-stained blueprints.

Unfortunately, Han Hao went to the wrong second gunpowder depot...

By the afternoon of the following day, Han Hao and his remaining troops were finally completely cornered by the Flying Cavalry and besieged on a rocky mountain called "Yashan" about ten miles outside Yique Pass.

Yashan is like two giant front teeth, standing on the loess plateau.

It's called "Yashan" because its top is mostly flat; if it were pointed, it would probably have a different name...

Asan is not actually high, but it is steep, sparsely vegetated, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and thus...

They are easily surrounded and killed.

On the mountain, the biting north wind howled like a lone wolf dying.

By the time Han Hao realized he had gone to the wrong place and searched for a long time without finding any buried gunpowder, it was too late to retreat.

It wasn't that Han Hao was stupid, but if there really was gunpowder buried, there would also be supplies prepared in advance!

But now...

The banners of the Flying Cavalry Army were everywhere on the mountainside, and Jiang Jiong and Zhu Ling's troops had completed the encirclement.

Bugles and whistles sounded one after another, like the call of death.

Han Hao leaned against a cold, massive rock, his chest heaving violently, each breath a labored struggle, like a broken bellows.

He is very tired.

His armor was already badly damaged, covered with cuts from swords and spears and dried blood. A deep arrow wound on his left shoulder was still bleeding, tightly bound by strips of his roughly torn battle robe.

The long sword in his hand, which had been with him for many years, had a chipped tip and its shaft was covered with a sticky, dark red substance.

Han Hao was left with fewer than a hundred men, all of whom were his private soldiers who had followed him for many years.

They too were all wounded, their armor tattered.

At the foot of the mountain, the dark, imposing lines of the cavalry resembled a tightening steel noose, closing in on Han Hao and the others...

"Listen up, General Cao on the mountain! Surrender and you may escape death!"

Someone was shouting loudly from the foot of the mountain.

Han Hao smiled, glancing at his private troops beside him. "Those who want to live... can go down the mountain..."

(End of this chapter)