The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

With the infantry advancing steadily and resolutely, the Jingnan Army pressed the entire front line forward like a tidal wave.

However, infantrymen who rely on two legs can never catch up with cavalrymen who have four legs.

The slow pace of advance meant that the initiative on the battlefield remained temporarily in the hands of the Shun army, which had a superior level of mobility. Effectively pursuing and engaging the enemy proved extremely difficult.

As the last black banner of the Shun army disappeared into Mengyuan Town, a long, drawn-out horn call came from behind the Shun army's cavalry formation.

Before the bugle call had even finished, the approximately 40,000 Shun cavalrymen who had been facing off against the vanguard of the Jingnan Army moved out at the command.

They did not flee in panic, but maintained a neat formation and retreated quickly and methodically to the rear.

The Shun army infantry, who were originally the rearguard and used firearms to slow down the first wave of pursuit by the Jingnan army, had already withdrawn from the front lines ahead of time.

Even during their retreat, the Shun army cavalry maintained strict discipline.

The core elite cavalry did not rush to retreat, but left behind two solid square formations, about five thousand elite troops, to suppress the central formation and cover the rear.

Under their cover, the remaining cavalry forces turned their horses around one by one and galloped toward Mengyuan Town.

The Qiang and Mongol tribes also left behind about seven or eight thousand cavalrymen on the battlefield, scattered on both flanks of the vast battlefield, constantly patrolling and maneuvering as a force for harassment and containment.

The Jingnan Army's cavalry made several attempts to charge, but ultimately failed to catch up with the Shun Army's cavalry.

Although the Shun army's rearguard cavalry left behind thousands of corpses, they still accomplished their objective of protecting the central army's retreat.

At the same time, they were able to safely withdraw from the battlefield as a unit.

"The vanguard of the three divisions and the support of the two divisions are advancing towards Mengyuan Town. General You Shiwei has specifically ordered his subordinates to request instructions on the next step of the advance. Please give your guidance, General!"

A messenger from the vanguard rode across the still-unresolved battlefield, arriving dusty and weary, and galloped straight into the central army formation.

Hu Zhiyi's gaze was deep and he did not make a decision immediately. His eyes turned back to the distant place where the fighting had just ended.

Zuo Liangyu gazed at the empty Mengyuan Town in the distance. The Mengyuan Town camp, which was originally filled with the black banners of the Shun army and the constant sounds of men and horses, was now deathly silent and empty, with no trace of any human activity to be seen.

It was as if the tens of thousands of troops that had just been stationed there were just an illusion.

"You Shiwei also noticed the problem."

You Shiwei was Zuo Liangyu's former superior.

During the Jisi Incident, it was because of You Shiwei's recommendation that Zuo Liangyu was able to lead troops into battle. After recovering four cities, he was promoted to deputy commander-in-chief based on his military achievements.

You Shiwei is mature and prudent, skilled in military strategy, so it's normal that he was able to discover it.

"Pass on the order to You Shiwei."

"Continue to advance steadily, and do not rush into things."

"At the same time, order the cavalry on both flanks to cautiously disperse to the outer area of ​​Mengyuan Town, expand the reconnaissance range, and carefully investigate whether there are any signs of enemy ambush in the surrounding mountains, ravines, and forests. Be sure to be careful and not overlook anything!"

Hu Zhiyi did not hesitate and decisively issued the military order.

The Shun army's voluntary withdrawal from Mengyuan Town, a strategically important location, must be part of some hidden scheme.

However, Mengyuan Town itself, as the only way to Huayin and a crucial high point, was also a strategic hub that the Jingnan Army had to capture.

Even if he didn't know Li Zicheng's true intentions, he had no reason to give up his advance at this time.

"I want to unfold the map and examine the terrain of Mengyuan Town in detail."

Hu Zhiyi nimbly dismounted from his horse, tucked the whip back into his waistband, and gave a deep command.

The guards stationed nearby responded swiftly upon receiving the order.

Someone immediately brought over a lightweight low table, which was quickly assembled to form a large temporary desk.

Several others skillfully and carefully unfolded a meticulously drawn military map of the area surrounding Huayin on the table.

Then the accompanying staff officers also gathered around, quickly untied their bundles from the saddle, and took out small flags representing different units, soldier models marking terrain features, and other items.

Based on the current known military situation, they began to quickly and accurately place the information on the map.

The situation of the battle gradually became clear as various models and flags were placed.

"How long until the forwards arrive in Mengyuan Town?"

Hu Zhiyi carefully examined every contour line and mark on the map beneath him, and asked in a deep voice without raising his head.

Zuo Liangyu did not hesitate. He looked in the direction of Mengyuan Town, knowing that Hu Zhiyi was asking him this question.

In this battle, he served as a deputy general, assisting Hu Zhiyi in leading the army.

"At the current pace of advance, the vanguard should be able to reach the outskirts of Mengyuan Town in about 15 minutes."

Zuo Liangyu looked up at the sky again and frowned.

"It will be dusk in about half an hour."

"If the majority of our army advances without encountering any obstacles, we should arrive at Mengyuan Town at dusk, and night will soon follow."

Hu Zhiyi paused slightly, his eyes narrowing as he examined the map.

There are too many dense curves representing mountains and ravines around Mengyuan Town. At the same time, he discovered that the Shun army had also built a large number of fortifications behind Mengyuan Town.

"I see……"

A glint of light flashed in Hu Zhiyi's eyes, and he suddenly laughed.

The long-standing doubts finally dissipated at this moment.
He had already understood why Li Zicheng had taken the initiative to withdraw from Mengyuan Town.

"Send word to You Shiwei!"

Hu Zhiyi suddenly raised his head and gave a stern command.

"Order the cavalry of the Third Vanguard Division to advance rapidly and seize the high ground on the outskirts of Mengyuan Town."

"If we encounter enemy resistance, we must immediately build a defensive line on the spot, hold our ground and wait for reinforcements. We must not underestimate the enemy or advance rashly! The cavalry of the two supporting divisions shall immediately take over the duties of battlefield reconnaissance and flank protection."

"The main infantry force continues to advance steadily without hesitation, and the main force of the Shun army withdraws from the central area of ​​Mengyuan Town."

"However, the Shun army should still have left a force in Mengyuan Town, in various forts behind the town. Be careful."

Zuo Liangyu frowned slightly, not understanding why Hu Zhiyi had suddenly become so certain, and immediately asked.

"Why is the military commander so certain?"

Hu Zhiyi did not speak immediately.

Instead, he picked up a string of black flags from the side and planted them one by one on the slope west of Mengyuan Town, and solemnly declared.

Hu Zhiyi then took out several larger black military flags and placed them in the central area between Mengyuan Town and Huayin.

“Initially, when Li Zicheng withdrew his troops from Mengyuan Town, my judgment was that Li Zicheng might have wanted to withdraw from Huayin and move the battlefield to the Guanzhong Plain.”

"Although this move is dangerous, it can expand the Shun army's advantage."

The Shun army gained no advantage in the battle outside Mengyuan Town.

Li Zicheng's retreat was too strange. After thinking it over, Hu Zhiyi could only come up with this one possibility.

Li Zicheng discovered that the infantry's reliance on fortified defenses not only failed to slow down the offensive, but also caused the morale of the troops to decline further with each battle.

Therefore, he decided to take a desperate gamble and withdraw from Huayin, attempting to engage them in a decisive battle in the surrounding plains.

However, the intelligence sent by the Embroidered Uniform Guard revealed to Hu Zhiyi that Li Zicheng did not have this idea.

Hu Zhiyi pointed to the black flags planted in the center of Huayin and Mengyuan towns and continued to explain.

"The Shun army in Huayin left the Huayin camp and rushed towards Mengyuan Town to provide reinforcements. This proves that Li Zicheng had no intention of retreating to Huayin, and Mengyuan Town remains the main battlefield of this great battle."

Hu Zhiyi straightened up, looked down at the map below, and said decisively, "The vanguard cavalry should soon engage the Shun army on both flanks of Mengyuan Town."

"Li Zicheng should now be stationed on the western slope of Mengyuan Town."

Zuo Liangyu's face showed even more confusion. He couldn't help but step forward and point to the high ground of Mengyuan Town on the map.

"Mengyuan Town is located on a plateau, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Li Zicheng abandoned the high ground of Mengyuan Town and retreated to the plateau, ceding the plateau to our army."

He simply couldn't understand this decision; occupying the high ground was of great strategic significance.

"Now that our army has occupied Mengyuan Town, wouldn't we be able to launch a full-scale attack from above?"

With a superior vantage point, the firepower of bows, arrows, guns, and cannons is greatly enhanced, and the charging ability of infantry and cavalry is also stronger.

Moreover, the side in a lower position has to face upwards to attack, which is extremely exhausting. Being in a lower position during combat is a major taboo in military strategy.

"Would Li Zicheng be so unwise?"

Even with Hu Zhiyi's unwavering conviction, Zuo Liangyu still found it hard to believe.

"Do not."

Hu Zhiyi shook his head.

Then he pointed to the slope west of Mengyuan Town on the map, and slowly moved his finger along the contour lines.

"This is precisely where Li Zicheng's cleverness lies."

Hu Zhiyi's expression was solemn as he spoke in a deep voice.

"Our army's guns and cannons are sharp, as the Battle of Jining has already proven. This time, we are carrying a large number of heavy artillery pieces, and it will be easy to destroy cities and fortresses."

"The Shun army's guns and cannons are inferior, and even though they have a superior position, they still cannot compare with our army."

Hu Zhiyi straightened up and glanced at the rows of heavy cannons being pulled by strong horses in front of him.

"The sharpness of our army's guns and cannons has been demonstrated to the world in the Battle of Jining. This time, we are carrying a large number of heavy artillery of various types, and we will destroy cities and fortresses as easily as crushing dry leaves."

"On the other hand, the Shun army's guns and cannons were crude and few. Even though they had previously held the high ground of Mengyuan Town, they would have had no chance of competing with our army in firearms duels."

Hu Zhiyi pointed to the outline of Mengyuan Town in the distance and continued his analysis.

"Even if our artillery is deployed at the foot of the mountain, its range and power are still sufficient to cover and destroy the Mengyuan Town camp on the plateau."

"The Shun army's few cannons, with limited range, could not reach our artillery positions at all, and could only passively take hits, which only increased casualties."

The entire Shaanxi province had long been infiltrated by the intelligence department, leaving it like a sieve.

Li Zicheng probably knew less about the Shun army's artillery than the intelligence department did.

Hu Zhiyi paused slightly, giving Zuo Liangyu a moment to process what he had said, before continuing.

"Therefore... Li Zicheng chose to leave only a portion of his troops to guard the fortresses that had already been built behind Mengyuan Town, as a fulcrum to contain our army, while concealing his main force behind Mengyuan Town."

"Li Zicheng was well aware of this. He knew that if he held Mengyuan Town and fought head-on, it would only be a repeat of the previous destruction of the forward bastions, which would be meaningless except for exhausting his troops."

"Li Zicheng understood this very well. He knew that holding Mengyuan Town would only be a repeat of the battle situation at the front fort."

Hu Zhiyi paused for a moment, then continued.

"So... he left a portion of his troops to guard some fortresses behind Mengyuan Town as strongholds, while hiding the main force behind Mengyuan Town."

"Behind Mengyuan Town is a natural reverse slope."

Zuo Liangyu listened attentively to Hu Zhiyi's explanation.

Upon hearing the unfamiliar term "reverse slope," Zuo Liangyu paused slightly and couldn't help but repeat it aloud.

"Inverse bevel?"

Zuo Liangyu had commanded troops for many years and was familiar with various terrain terms, but this was the first time he had heard this word.

"Yes, it's a reverse slope."

Hu Zhiyi nodded and said solemnly.

Hu Zhiyi was not surprised to notice Zuo Liangyu's doubts.

Because when Chen Wang first told him about this word, he was also puzzled.

"You can think of my palm as a mountain."

Hu Zhiyi held up his palm, pointing to the front of his palm.

"Look at Mengyuan Town in front of us. The side we can see and attack from the front is the 'sloping side.' The enemy is completely visible to us and is also under our artillery fire."

Hu Zhiyi patiently explained, trying to use language that Zuo Liangyu could intuitively understand, and pointed to the back of his palm.

"This 'reverse slope' refers to the opposite slope behind the mountain ridge, which is not directly observable to our troops."

Zuo Liangyu's expression gradually became serious.

He roughly understood what Hu Zhiyi was saying; it was roughly the feeling of Shanyin and Shanyang.

Moreover, with Hu Zhiyi's explanation, he gradually came up with some ideas.

"You mean, the Shun army is hiding... on the reverse slope, and our artillery is firing..."

Hu Zhiyi's face showed an approving expression as he spoke.

"Yes."

Hu Zhiyi nodded slightly and continued to explain.

"Imagine if our army were to advance on Mengyuan Town and capture the summit."

“The main force of the Shun army did not fight me to the death in the town, but instead lay in ambush behind this reverse slope.”

"Although our heavy artillery is powerful, its trajectories are mostly straight or slightly curved. When the shells cross the ridge, they mostly land far on the opposite slope, making it difficult to accurately strike enemy troops close to the slope..."

Hu Zhiyi changed the subject, his expression turning serious.

"The Shun army held firm on the bastion at the rear of the plateau as a stronghold to prevent our army from firing cannons directly from the hilltop and threatening their rear."

"If our army attacks the bastions that serve as fulcrums in the rear, most of the Shun army will rush out from the reverse slope and attack our army with guns and cannons or engage in close combat. In any case, our army will be at a disadvantage at the beginning."

Zuo Liangyu's expression was solemn; he could already imagine how the battle would unfold.

Although the Shun army's guns and cannons were not as good as theirs, even the worst guns and cannons were still guns and cannons, and they could be just as deadly when they hit flesh and blood.

The three-barreled gun wasn't very powerful, but the tiger crouching gun and the breech-loading gun were truly lethal.

The breech-loading cannon has a high rate of fire and powerful shells. Its crouching and running attack can scatter pieces, and its damage at close to medium range is actually better than that of the red-coated cannon.

"The Shun army is in the dark, making it difficult for our army to detect their movements, and our artillery is also unable to effectively kill the Shun army on the reverse slope."

"Our army is in the open, and the deployment of troops is controlled by the Shun army, making it difficult to deploy formations. At the same time, the Shun army is on the opposite slope, making it difficult for our army's firepower to effectively cover downwards."

"The essence of Mengyuan Town lies in the fact that Li Zicheng abandoned it, allowing him to avoid the sharpness of our artillery fire, hide the whereabouts of his main force, and force our army to abandon its strengths and use its weaknesses to engage in close combat with him."

Hu Zhiyi's gaze darkened slightly as he praised.

"I never imagined that Li Zicheng could come up with such a battle tactic."

"Li Zicheng's move was not out of cowardice or abandonment of defense, but rather a strategic move to lure his opponent into a trap."

"What a brilliant stratagem Li Zicheng employed!" (End of Chapter)