The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

Accompanied by a continuous, increasingly urgent sound of gongs.

The Shun army at the forward camp of Mengyuan Town finally received the order to withdraw.

The devastating defeats on the front lines, with corpses strewn across the fields, are still vivid in our minds.

The Shun soldiers at the front lines were already demoralized, their faces ashen, and their eyes filled with undisguised fear and exhaustion.

However, the central army remained in formation, and the black banner representing military law still fluttered in the wind.

Those who flee will be severely punished.

Under the deterrent effect of this ironclad rule, the retreating troops, though filled with a sense of oppression, managed to maintain basic order and did not completely collapse.

The vanguard of the Jingnan Army keenly detected signs that the Shun Army intended to withdraw.

Almost simultaneously, the Jingnan Army's cavalry, poised to pounce, surged forward like arrows released from a bow, attempting to catch up with the retreating enemy forces.

However, under Li Zicheng's instructions, Gu Kecheng and Ren Jixian led the veteran cavalry into battle, joining forces with a group of Qiang and Mongol cavalry to block the pursuit of the Jingnan Army's armored cavalry.

Infantry marches much slower than cavalry, which meant that the Jingnan Army's cavalry, which initiated the pursuit, received no effective support from artillery fire or their own infantry formations.

Even when the Jingnan Army was covering the cavalry charge, they encountered artillery fire from the Shun Army infantry covering the rear.

The infantry unit that brought up the rear of the Shun army was equipped with a large number of firearms due to the terrain.

The firearms they carried were mainly three-barreled guns, as well as small and medium-sized breech-loading cannons.

Although weaker than the Jingnan Army's infantry in terms of long-range firepower and sustained firepower, they were more than capable of hindering the Jingnan Army's cavalry in close-range attacks.

The Jingnan Army's cavalry, caught off guard, suffered considerable casualties.

After suffering setbacks in front of the Shun army's infantry, the Jingnan army's cavalry quickly adjusted their strategy, attempting to bypass the frontal barrage and advance in a flanking maneuver.

However, the Shun army cavalry led by Gu Kecheng and Ren Jirong were already on high alert, blocking their path once again like a rock.

A great battle broke out between the two sides on the plains.

The battles between cavalry were brutal and direct, devoid of any frills.

Warhorses galloped, their iron hooves flying, covering a hundred paces in the blink of an eye.

Before charging, the Jingnan Army's covering cavalry unleashed a dense volley of gunfire. Before the white smoke from the gun muzzles had even dissipated, their gleaming sabers were already drawn.

They quickly formed a tight and efficient charging formation, like a moving wall of knives, pressing forward.

"Ugh——"

The deep sound of horns echoed across the plains of Huayin, like the mournful cry of a giant beast.

More than 7,000 Jingnan Army cavalrymen, carrying sabers on their shoulders, swept across the Shun Army cavalry on all sides of the battle line.

The Shun army's cavalry also responded strongly. The Qiang and Mongol cavalry on both flanks, with their superb horsemanship, skillfully maneuvered their warhorses, constantly roaming and harassing, attempting to contain and disperse the Jingnan army's offensive momentum.

Meanwhile, at the core position, the Shun Army's veteran cavalry under the command of Gu Kecheng and Ren Jirong also formed a strict formation amidst the generals' hoarse commands.

They imitated their opponents, adopting a heavy, wall-like tactic, like a solid dam, to meet the surging tide of the Jingnan army's iron cavalry head-on.

The tactics of the Jingnan cavalry were not a secret; they had been known to the world since the campaign to defend the emperor.

The Qing army also adopted the same tactics to strengthen the intensity of their frontal assaults, and Li Zicheng began to learn the same tactics continuously.

His cavalry were all veterans, so their training was quite effective in a short time. Now, his cavalry can be said to be quite proficient in using this tactic.

In an instant, two massive torrents of steel collided violently on the plain.

The clash of swords and the clashing of spears were constant, and the mournful cries of men and horses were mixed in with the clashing of weapons.

The Jingnan Army's covering cavalry fought with all their might, trying to tear apart the enemy's defenses and charge forward to intercept the retreating Shun Army troops.

The Shun army's cavalry, however, fought desperately to block them, refusing to retreat an inch.

The fighting spirit of these veteran soldiers far surpasses that of ordinary soldiers.

……

"The Shun army has retreated..."

Zuo Liangyu held the reins, leading his warhorse, and frowned as he pondered.

The warhorse beneath him seemed to sense its master's doubts and paced restlessly with its front hooves.

The retreat of the Shun army revealed a hint of something unclear.

"Shunjun...something's not right."

Judging from the current situation, the Shun army does indeed seem to have no power to fight back.

However, those numerous fortified bunkers should have bought them a lot of time and effectively tied down and depleted the strength and manpower of the Jingnan Army's vanguard.

Choosing to retreat at this moment seems somewhat abrupt, both emotionally and logically.

With nearly 200,000 troops under his command, Li Zicheng would never care about the loss of a mere 10,000 or so second-rate soldiers in the front-line fortress, who were merely used to fill in the gaps.

Behind this retreat, there must be a deeper intention.

"You can see it too."

Hu Zhiyi's gaze was deep and thoughtful.

He knew Li Zicheng very well, having clashed with him countless times. He was familiar with Li Zicheng's tactics, and Li Zicheng's decision this time left Hu Zhiyi quite puzzled.

At the same time, an indescribable sense of vigilance arose.

However, the doubts in his heart did not make Hu Zhiyi hesitate much.

"Order Liu Wenxiu and Chen Yongfu to lead their cavalry forward to reinforce the vanguard cavalry, at all costs, to break through the Shun army's interception network!"

Although Hu Zhiyi was unaware of Li Zicheng's thoughts.

However, on the battlefield, the more the enemy obstructs something, the more important it is.

The retreat of the Shun army is too strange. Since that's the case, we can't let them retreat so easily.

The central army's banners fluttered, and bugle calls resounded.

The moment the two divisions of Henan Town on the flanks of the central army received the order, their combined cavalry of over ten thousand men surged forward like a flood bursting its banks.

"Order: The vanguard and support cavalry of the First and Second Divisions of Hanzhong Garrison will launch a simultaneous attack from both flanks to break through the Shun Army's defenses."

"The vanguard of the three infantry divisions advance in unison, pressing forward relentlessly!"

While keeping an eye on the situation on the battlefield, Hu Zhiyi issued orders in an orderly manner.

Vanguard, central army, and rear guard—the 170,000-strong Jingnan Army moved in unison, surging towards Huayin.

The deafening roar of iron hooves trampling the earth was deafening.

……

"The cavalry of the 3rd Vanguard Division of the Jingnan Army launched an attack on our rearguard and engaged in a stalemate with our troops."

"The vanguard and rear guard divisions, totaling 6,000 cavalry, are rapidly advancing towards our lines. At the same time, two cavalry units from the Jingnan Army, totaling over 10,000, are also rushing in like a tide."

Military reports from all directions, whether urgent, warning, or requesting reinforcements, poured into Mengyuan Town like snowflakes.

However, Li Zicheng completely ignored all of this military intelligence.

Li Zicheng, perched on a high platform, had a panoramic view of the entire battlefield.

"Order Dang Shousu and Xin Sizhong to lead their cavalry to reinforce the front and stabilize the line."

Li Zicheng remained calm, and the fear in his eyes had completely disappeared.

His voice was steady and firm, with a resolute tone.

Li Zicheng's gaze swept slowly over the surrounding generals, finally settling on Yuan Zongdi.

"Zongdi."

"Your subordinate is here."

Yuan Zongdi did not hesitate. His expression was serious as he clasped his hands in greeting.

"I'm handing over the Mengyuan Town camp to you."

Li Zicheng spoke solemnly and earnestly.

Yuan Zongdi had already figured out Li Zicheng's plan.

"Your Majesty, rest assured." Yuan Zongdi rolled off his horse, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head in promise.

"This humble general will certainly do his utmost!"

Having received Yuan Zongdi's solemn assurance, Li Zicheng did not hesitate any longer. He raised his riding whip, pointed it high to the sky, and gave a loud order.

"The troops reorganized their ranks, retreated slowly, and made their way to the middle of the plateau, where they formed a fan-shaped formation and prepared for battle along the bastions, trenches, and low walls along the plateau."

"As the imperial decree commands!"

The surrounding Shun army officers and soldiers responded in unison, readily accepting the order.

Li Zicheng issued his military order, the central command flag fluttered, and countless cavalrymen swarmed out.

The Shun army's central camp in Mengyuan Town also began to react, and the Shun army troops began to retreat.

His army marched into Shaanxi, sweeping across the border towns and forging Li Zicheng's formidable power.

Although the previous defeat affected the morale of the Shun army, they still maintained basic order. After the order to withdraw was issued, many soldiers were still in a state of panic.

However, after seeing the immovable banner of the central army, the soldiers of the Shun army camps were somewhat reassured.

……

"The Shun army in the Shun army camp in Mengyuan Town is retreating!"

In the central army formation of Jingnan, soldiers on the towering watchtowers shouted themselves hoarse, reporting the military intelligence they had gleaned.

Zuo Liangyu's brows furrowed so deeply they almost formed a "川" (river) shape.

His gaze was fixed on the direction of Mengyuan Town, his mind racing, but he still couldn't figure out Li Zicheng's intentions behind this move.

“It’s too early…”

The timing of Shunjun's retreat was far too early, far too early to be reasonable, and there must be some hidden secrets behind it that he had not yet realized.

"Could it be..."

Zuo Liangyu raised his head and turned his gaze to the north.

"Did Jiang Xiang cross the river?"

Mengyuan Town is located on a plateau with a strategic and commanding position, making it the best defensive stronghold for the Shun army.

At this moment, they have voluntarily abandoned their position, and in such a hasty manner, which is contrary to the principles of military strategy.

The only explanation seems to be that a major turning point has occurred on the northern front.

Jiang Xiang's troops stationed in Puzhou may have broken through the Shun army's defense line north of Huayin, threatening the flank of Mengyuan Town, which forced the Shun army to abandon this strategic location.

"Do not."

A calm and resolute voice interrupted Zuo Liangyu's thoughts.

"It can't be Jiang Xiang."

Hu Zhiyi rejected Zuo Liangyu's guess.

"Although Jiang Xiang's troops received our army's assistance and were well-funded and strong, the troops under Jiang Xiang's command were still the old army, with few guns and cannons, and lacked the ability to attack fortified positions."

"The Shun army has 40,000 troops lined up along the river, while Jiang Xiang has only 25,000 men under his command. They are only a detachment to harass the enemy and cannot break through the Shun army's defenses."

Hu Zhiyi's gaze was icy, and his brows were furrowed with seriousness.

He knew the situation on Jiang Xiang's side; his troops were insufficient to allow him to break through the Shun army's defenses in such a short time.

Moreover, Jiang Xiang still harbored a strong warlord mentality and often considered preserving his strength.

This is the most typical mentality of a former general of the Ming court.

With soldiers comes power.

As long as they have troops and leverage, and the court still needs them, they won't act easily.

Although the family has changed, this mindset has profoundly influenced every decision Jiang Xiang makes.

Otherwise, Jiang Xiang's achievements in the previous battle in Shanxi would not have been so meager.

Hu Zhiyi never placed any hope in Jiang Xiang.

The outcome of this great battle was not something Jiang Xiang could control.

"However, you are right about one thing."

“It’s too early…”

Hu Zhiyi's gaze was cold and menacing. Although he had always maintained control of the battlefield, a sense of unease arose in his heart.

The inability to discern the enemy's true intentions is a major taboo in military strategy.

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. The fog at this moment made him feel a heavy pressure.

Just as Hu Zhiyi was deep in thought, the sound of rapid hoofbeats broke the silence of the central army.

A commander of the Imperial Guard, dressed in a silver-white brocade robe, rode swiftly, bringing intelligence from Huayin.

"The majority of the Shun army from Huayin is heading east, towards Mengyuan Town, which is directly in front of our army!"

This sudden intelligence report, like a boulder thrown into a still lake, stirred up countless ripples.

This made the already murky battlefield situation even more unpredictable and difficult to fathom.

Hu Zhiyi gazed intently into the distance, looking in the direction of Mengyuan Town.

In the distance, the Shun army in Mengyuan Town was retreating steadily, and their black banners were gradually disappearing from his sight.

However, more and more Shun army cavalrymen, like a dark swarm of ants, continuously crossed the high ridge of the loess plateau and rushed down the slope.

The cavalry engagement ahead had reached a stalemate.

The vanguard division had 7,000 cavalry, and the reinforcement division had 15,000 cavalry, making a total of 22,000 cavalry.

However, the cavalry that Shun Army filled the front lines numbered as many as 40,000 to 50,000.

Li Zicheng received support from the Qiang and Mongol tribes, and unlike the Qing army, he did not concentrate all military equipment in his own hands, but instead extensively armed himself.

The battle reached a stalemate for a time.

The Jingnan Army has never been known for its cavalry.

Cavalry was mostly used as a support unit.

In the Battle of Jining, the outcome was ultimately decided by the cavalry charge of the Jingnan Army.

However, the real main force has always been the infantry of the Jingnan Army.

They always attacked from the south to the north, and without controlling the pastures in the north, the lack of horses has always plagued the development of the Jingnan Army's cavalry.

The victory in the Battle of Jining allowed the Jingnan Army to acquire tens of thousands of excellent warhorses.

However, cavalry is extremely expensive, and it takes several years to train a qualified rider.

Although the wall-style assault shortened this time considerably.

However, it was ultimately difficult to quickly form combat power.

In terms of cavalry alone, the Shun army was indeed superior at this time.

Hu Zhiyi frowned deeply, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the chaotic battle situation at the front and the Shun army reinforcements that kept pouring in from afar.

After a long period of contemplation and weighing the pros and cons, Hu Zhiyi finally spoke again, his voice steady and firm.

"Order the vanguard cavalry to coordinate with the infantry and advance steadily, avoiding direct confrontation with the enemy cavalry as much as possible."

After pondering for a long time, Hu Zhiyi issued a new military order.

The vanguard cavalry, providing cover, failed to break the deadlock immediately, allowing reinforcements from the Shun army to advance rapidly.

Continuing to attack solely with cavalry will only result in more unnecessary casualties.

Li Zicheng may have had ulterior motives and harbored treacherous schemes.

Hu Zhiyi knew that in terms of battlefield experience and decision-making in battle, he was far inferior to Li Zicheng at this moment.

However, in large-scale battles, strategies may be useful for a time, but what truly determines victory or defeat is the battle formation itself.

It remains firm and resilient despite countless trials and tribulations, standing firm against winds from all directions! (End of Chapter)