Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 1184 The Army Enters the West Pass of Heishan
"It wasn't someone else who provoked him."

Wang Xifeng said slowly, recalling what she had seen that day, "It's really better to avoid trouble."
"What else could it be? Writing poetry is just for the sake of having a good time. But that Miss Lin doesn't like these things. She only cares about drinking tea. When the time came, she hadn't written a single poem, and even Baochai took away the poems she had written."

You know Baoyu's temperament. Although he didn't say anything at the time, his face showed some unease. There were some things he couldn't say, but you could see it.

Li Wan immediately understood. Everyone could see through Bao Yu's thoughts, but unfortunately, this marriage was preordained by fate, and there was no use thinking about it.

"What can't be said? It's because someone inside is eyeing it. If it were anything else, we could make do, but if this matter offends the Marquis, I'm afraid it will be hard to end. Besides, Baoyu's marriage to the Meng family is already arranged. If he doesn't know his place and makes a fool of himself and loses face, he might become the laughing stock of the capital."

In the past, Li Wan wouldn't have said anything, but now that her status has changed, there are some things she can't keep quiet about.

"Ho!"

Fengjie was stunned. Her phoenix eyes darted sideways, showing a hint of surprise. Her sister-in-law had indeed changed.
“What my sister-in-law said makes sense. Even if he has his heart set on them, he can’t even see the two young ladies. I always said that our Master Bao’s mind is on these trivial things all day long! He doesn’t read any serious books, he doesn’t understand worldly affairs, and he just loves to indulge in these romantic and poetic things.”

After eating another pine nut, the tension in his eyes disappeared;
"As she gets older, she's still so delicate and fragile, unable to bear the slightest grievance or a harsh word. She understands her place, yet she remains oblivious. What is this if not 'ignorance'? Truly..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the disdain on her face was undisguised. She thought back to when they went to Shuiyue Nunnery, how carefree the two of them were, their dissolute behavior was unbearable to look at, and even if they had the assets, they weren't very good.

Li Wan didn't answer at first, but instead asked another question.
"And then what happened? The poetry gathering was over."

Knowing Lin's temperament, she wouldn't tolerate being treated badly by others. If she said something harsh, Baoyu might cause trouble again, which would be bad.

"It was bound to end badly. Lin Yatou took everyone back, and Baochai followed along. When the others saw this, they dispersed as well. Baoyu was also pulled back by Xiren."

"Yes, it's good to go back and rest."

Li Wan nodded, then said seemingly casually,
"I heard that the official insignia from Eunuch Liu's side have been sent over. Once he enters the government office, he'll have something to do, which is better than staying at home."

These words sounded like concern for Baoyu, but in reality, they were a veiled criticism of him, implying that he had put the cart before the horse. Wang Xifeng could easily see through this, but she didn't point it out, simply going along with it:

“What my sister-in-law said is true. The official insignia, the transfer document, and the waist token have been delivered. It will take a few more days, but it will be soon. Once the items arrive, I can take the document to the North City Military Command to take up my post. It will just cost a little more money to send a visiting card.”

There's no point in saying more; money will do. The matter between the two of them has been settled, but the trivial matters in the mansion are incredibly annoying. The old women in the courtyards and the stewards are all cunning and an eyesore.

"Alright, don't complain. Things will probably get much better after Baoyu gets married. As for Daiyu, we need to keep an eye on her, since the Marquis is concerned about her."

Li Wan smiled, knowing full well what was going on, and then offered a word of advice.

Wang Xifeng glanced at her phoenix eyes, understood what her sister-in-law meant, and nodded.

"Don't worry, sister-in-law. There are some things that the Marquis's mansion is keeping a closer eye on than they are on us."

"Waaaaah! Waaaaah! Waaaaah!"

The mournful sound of the bugle echoed throughout Pingliao City.

This time,

Marquis Luoyun, Zhang Jinyu, rested for a night and felt refreshed. After having breakfast, he joined the army and lined up outside the western entrance of the Black Mountain Valley. Looking at the entire narrow Black Mountain, it seemed like a desperate struggle. Looking at the gentle slopes on both sides of the valley entrance, they were already covered with trenches and barricades. It seemed that the Jurchens were moving very quickly.

"My lord, all the troops have gathered. The vanguard consists of 30,000 heavily armored elites, followed by 30,000 iron cavalry and 30,000 infantry. As for Lady Wuya's 50,000 scouts, 40,000 have been dispatched to Donggukou to provide support. I imagine the Jurchen tribes would not have expected such an inside accomplice today."

Duan Hong, clad in heavy armor, had already dismounted, a long sword slung over his shoulder, a look of delight on his face. Zhang Wenqing followed closely behind him.

"Yes, my lord. Once General Duan controls the valley entrance, I will lead my troops in and capture the leaders of the various Jurchen tribes alive."

Seeing that everyone was full of confidence, Zhang Jinyu didn't want to disrupt the pre-battle morale, but he still had to give them some instructions.
"Today's battle may be a decisive battle, or it may be a test. Duan Hong, the vanguard should carry more shields. If the Jurchens are treacherous after we enter the valley, then you should hold the valley entrance and wait for the reinforcements before advancing in battle formation."

In this way, only heavily armored soldiers could push through the narrow valley.

"Yes, my lord, I obey."

Duan Hong laughed heartily, put on his helmet, and went to the vanguard's formation.

Only Zhang Wenyuan, who had come with him, still had some doubts and asked;
"My lord, if we attack from the west entrance of the valley, the Jurchens will inevitably seize the east entrance as their retreat route. Even with General Chuanying stationed with a large camp, the valley entrance is so wide that it will be impossible to block it. In this way, the various Jurchen tribes will surely be able to escape through this route."

Then the encirclement and annihilation would be impossible, after all, it was a cooked duck, already in their mouths, but Zhang Jinyu still smiled slightly.
"It's about giving them a way to survive. Otherwise, even if hundreds of thousands of troops fight to the death, we can only achieve a pyrrhic victory. Besides, those who can leave are mostly on horseback. There are even more of those who can't ride horses. The principle of 'surrounding three sides while leaving one open' is exactly what military strategy is about."

If they were to swallow them all at once, they would surely choke to death. Zhang Jinyu also wanted to trap them and wear them down, but unfortunately, he did not have enough troops and wasted too much time. As autumn and winter approached, he had no choice but to take a risky approach outside the pass, taking a few more bites of the meat, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water, slowly eroding them.

After hearing the Marquis's explanation, Zhang Wenyuan suddenly understood. It turned out that the Marquis had planned this all along. But in the Black Mountain Valley, there were so many Jurchens. Could he really defeat them in one battle?

now,

The mournful bugle calls continued to tear through the dawn of Pingliao City. Zhang Jinyu did not hesitate; with a wave of his hand, his army pressed forward, marching straight towards the border of the Black Mountain Valley, dark clouds looming over the city.

On the gentle slope at the mouth of the valley,
The trenches and barricades hastily constructed by the Jurchens resembled the jagged fangs of a ferocious beast. Many soldiers had already gathered there. Duan Hong was in high spirits, and his three elite troops were already in formation.

The vast Black Mountain Valley, originally the heartland where the Jurchen elite troops stored grain and raised horses, has now become a huge prison. Cattle and sheep bleat restlessly, the camps are in disarray, and the air is filled with the stench of blood, sweat, and unease.

Inside the main tent of the Plain Yellow Banner, the banner chief, Duomin, had veins bulging on his forehead like earthworms as he stared intently at the rough map of the valley. The narrow entrance to the valley looked like two nooses tightening around his neck. Even if they were to retreat, they would need a large army to open the passage. The sound of horns outside had already reached the valley, and time was of the essence.

"Report, Great Khan, the troops of the two Red Banners have been assembled and are all arrayed at the entrance of the East Valley. However, outside, Marquis Luoyun's troops have already set up camp, very close by."

Huyan Han was fully armored this time, with his mace on his back. Early this morning, he assembled his army and awaited the Khan's orders.

“Alright, Huyan Han'ezhen, we can’t place our hopes on Fucha Zhen for this breakout. He will guard the western entrance of the valley, while we will break out from the eastern entrance.”

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Duo Min's eyes. Below him stood the fierce general Hu Yanhan, his entire body encased in heavy iron armor, revealing only a pair of wolf-like eyes that gleamed with ferocity.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. This time, I will lead the charge. The horn has sounded at the western pass, and Marquis Luoyun's army will soon be in the air! We don't know how long Fucha Zhen and Guarjia's two Blue Banner troops can hold out. Otherwise, let the Han Eight Banners and the troops of various tribes rush out first."

Duo Min suddenly raised her hand to stop him, her whole body revealing an indescribable weariness.

"Lord Luoyun came prepared. After a night of rest, both armies have regained some morale. Now we must preserve our strength and not make any rash moves. The Han Eight Banners and the troops of various tribes will stay behind to hold them off. This way, we can both keep them in check and delay Lord Luoyun's army. We, on the other hand, will take advantage of the chaos and break out from the East Valley Pass. Even if we encounter Lord Luoyun's cavalry, our Jurchen warriors will not be afraid of them."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your command."

Huyan Han performed the Han Chinese etiquette without saying much. Hao Ge and the others were also in the front and rear armies, all of whom were the Khan's trusted confidants. Their intentions were self-evident.

"Huyan Han, take 3,000 of the most loyal elite warriors from this banner, along with 20,000 elite cavalry from the Bordered Red Banner and Plain White Banner, and assemble them all towards the East Valley Pass! While Luo Yunhou's men are still establishing their foothold, we will launch a full-scale attack from the East Valley Pass and take as many of our elite cavalry as possible! As long as our men and horses are still here, as long as we are on the grasslands, we still have a chance to turn things around. As for those old, weak, women, and children who can't run... and the Han Eight Banners..."

Duomin didn't continue, but Huyan Han understood the Khan's implication. The Han Eight Banners were originally meant to be used as pawns for attrition, and now they were the best rearguard shield. Huyan Han understood perfectly and pounded his chest heavily.
"Your Majesty, rest assured! Your subject will certainly protect Your Majesty's elite troops and fight your way out!"

Domin nodded, then hissed in a low voice:
"Tell all the leaders that this is a matter of life and death! If you want to live, follow me and fight your way out from the east gate! Anyone who dares to have a disloyal heart... Huyan Han, you know what to do!" "Yes, sir!"

A fierce look flashed across Huyan Han's face as he strode out of the tent.

West entrance to Heishan Valley.

The heavy gate was not an indestructible stone wall, but a huge wooden raft mixed with earth and stone, which blocked the narrow entrance.

Fucha Zhen, the Zuo Ling of the Zhenglan Banner, stood on the watchtower. The autumn wind swept across his expressionless face, and his eyes showed a hint of anxiety. Below him were several elite Niru of his own troops, their swords drawn and bows strung, but they were not facing the Marquis's army outside the valley. Instead, they were subtly monitoring the commander of the Han Eight Banners garrison near the gate.

"Commander, the bugles have stopped. The Marquis's army is forming ranks, shields like a forest..."

A trusted confidant reported in a low voice, his voice hoarse with tension. These people had known for a long time what the commander-in-chief was going to do. Although they were uneasy, they were not without hope. After all, even the commander-in-chief of Guarjia had mobilized his troops.

Fucha Zhen raised his eyes and clearly saw the imposing military formation outside the valley. The heavy infantry's giant shields were in front, and the long chevaux-de-frise protruding from the gaps gleamed with a cold metallic light. Behind them were heavily armored elite soldiers poised to attack, and further back, there were iron cavalry surging like dark clouds.

In terms of military strength, Marquis Luoyun should be the best in the world; this battle is unwinnable.

"Can't wait any longer..."

Fucha Zhen turned his head, his eyes fixed resolutely on Guarjia, the commander of the Bordered Blue Banner, beside him.
“Guarjia, there’s movement coming from the rear camp. Duomin of the Plain Yellow Banner has become suspicious. Huyan Han’s suicide squad is being mobilized, and the Plain White Banner men are heading towards the East Valley Pass. Behind us, there are only Hao Ge and Tong Jiaqing’s men.”

Guarjia, the commander of the Bordered Blue Banner, was stunned. His fat jiggled and his eyes were full of disbelief.

"What? They actually dared to do this? They must have planned it all last night. Should we send someone to inform Hauge and Tong Jiaqing so they can escape together?"

Although the two were prepared to surrender to Marquis Luoyun, they were somewhat unhappy. They thought it would be better to take this opportunity to let the two of them leave together. However, Fucha Zhen sighed and shook his head.
"In the words of the Han people, you can run from the first day of the month, but you can't run from the fifteenth. Now the Jurchen tribes are severely weakened and have no winter supplies. In the end, they will inevitably be weakened. If the Great Khan were still alive, we could still try to hold on, but now that Duomin has taken the throne and settled down, he will surely take our tribes, and even our wives and daughters. Only you and I cannot go back."

A sigh made Guwalgiya's face contort with rage. Thinking of Domin's chilling expression, a coldness ran through him. If they went back with him, they knew they couldn't possibly defeat Domin, given that Helian Chen's elite troops were all supporting him. Rather than meet a tragic end, it was better to seize this opportunity to secure a wealthy and noble birth.
"Fucha Zhen, tell me the truth: how does Marquis Luoyun plan to settle us?"

"There are benefits for both of us. Han people become officials and bring honor to their ancestors. The Marquis has promised to grant official positions to those who come to him. Moreover, when Pingliao City opens for business, we can also share the profits. Of course, nominally we are going to join that girl Ya Yu, but at least we will have everything we deserve. The Marquis also promises that people from the tribes can also move to Yinzhou City as obedient citizens."

Especially this point, Fucha Zhen's mind had long since given up. Since Marquis Luoyun could say these things, it meant that the Marquis's sights were already on the Liaonan region. If Yinzhou changed hands, the Jurchen tribes would be finished.

Guarjia shivered, knowing what Fucha Zhen meant, and roared at his trusted men in a trembling voice:

"Move! Take down the garrison commander at the west gate and those fools! Now!"

"Move! Open the gates! Welcome the Marquis into the valley!"

Fucha Zhen also shouted sternly at the same time!

"What?! You..."

At the gate, many of the Han Eight Banners commanders had just reacted, and were filled with shock and anger, drawing their swords and about to roar.

Their response was met with several heavy, wolf-tooth arrows fired silently from behind! The arrowheads pierced through their chests, bringing with them a spray of blood.

The screams only lasted half a sound before abruptly ceasing. More flashes of swords suddenly appeared near the gate tower. Fucha Zhen and Guarjia's elite rebel troops launched a sudden attack, catching many Niru (military units) off guard. The carnage unfolded on the narrow city tower, with screams, the clash of weapons, and curses creating a chaotic scene.

"Quickly! Open the gate! Remove the obstacles!"

Fucha Zhen roared and personally drew his sword, rushing down from the watchtower to oversee the battle. Outside, Marquis Luoyun's army was already approaching.

The heavy, thick bolts were pried open by several people working together. Despite sporadic resistance from arrows and swords, dozens of rebel soldiers held the gate open with their shoulders and pulled it with rope winches. Under the horrified gazes of countless Jurchen and Han Eight Banner soldiers and the ecstatic watch of Duan Hong's army, the huge wooden gate suddenly opened a crack inward. The cold wind from the valley, carrying an atmosphere of despair, rushed out!

"It's open! The gate to the village is open!"

outside the valley,

A terrifying glint flashed in Duan Hong's eyes, and he suddenly swung the long sword he was carrying on his shoulder forward with all his might!
"Brothers! Charge in! Seize the gate of the stronghold!"

"kill!!"

The roar that had been building up for so long exploded like thunder. The vanguard immediately abandoned their large shields and, carrying only arm shields, swarmed in.

Duan Hong took the lead, followed by 30,000 heavily armored vanguard soldiers who marched with heavy but unwavering steps, holding their chevaux-de-frise spears level, and crashed into the valley entrance. The shield-bearers on both flanks headed towards the stockade.

The rest of the men rushed towards the valley. As soon as they entered, Duan Hong's heavily armored phalanx crashed into several Jurchen camps near the western entrance.

These soldiers stationed at Xikou were originally weak and fearful tribal soldiers and some Han Eight Banner soldiers. The battle formation was only just completed and the people behind were still packing their bags. They never expected that Marquis Luoyun's army would suddenly pour in!

"Marquis Luoyun's army has entered the valley!"

Someone shouted something that instantly ignited panic among the crowd.

Just then, Duan Hong's vanguard rushed in, their armored soldiers standing in rows, which terrified the men so much that their legs went weak, and the cowardly ones turned and ran away, shouting as they went.

"Run!"

"Hold on! Hold on..."

The deputy commander of the Han Eight Banners was still thinking of organizing a large army to stop them, but a sharp armor-piercing spear pierced through the gap in his shield like a venomous snake, piercing through his simple leather armor, and sending him flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground, splattering blood and mud.

Then,

This was followed by the heavy cavalry charge.

boom! Boom!
Regardless of the rudimentary barricades in the valley, they were swept away by the shield-bearing soldiers.

Duan Hongchong charged at the front of the battle, his long sword sweeping and slashing, each strike bringing forth a storm of blood and gore.
"Charge! Pierce straight into the center! Advance forward."

"Yes, General."

The advance of the heavily armored army was overwhelming and unstoppable! Jurchen camps along the way were uprooted, tents were trampled and set on fire, and scattered soldiers fled in all directions like boiling water splashed on snow. Screams, the sound of weapons breaking armor, the sound of bones shattering, and the neighing of warhorses mixed with the increasingly strong stench of blood instantly filled the area near Xigukou.

The troops of the two Blue Banners, who had already received the news, were already lined up on both sides of the valley entrance and had laid down their weapons. However, the others in the depths of the valley were still unaware. Hearing the screams in front of them, Hauge looked surprised and asked uncertainly.
"Tong Jiaqing, what's going on up ahead? We hear a lot of gunfire. Could it be that Marquis Luo Yun has broken in?"

"This can't be right. It's only been a short time, and the trenches at the western camp have already been dug so deep. Even if Marquis Luoyun's troops are superior in armor and weapons, they would still have the two blue banners of Fucha Zhen to block them if they wanted to break through the camp. It shouldn't be this fast."

In the end, Tong Jiaqing suddenly felt a chill. Could it be that these two had turned against her? Recalling their behavior yesterday, she couldn't see anything amiss. But the chaos earlier couldn't be faked; the Han Eight Banners soldiers had scattered.

(End of this chapter)