The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 565 Ambush
Zhao Yun put down his wine cup, gazed through the tent flap at the northern starry sky, and said in a deep voice, "Although Kebineng was defeated, the Xianbei's strength is not yet damaged. They will surely make a comeback next spring."

Wei Yan slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Then let's march on their royal court!"

Xu Huang pressed down on Wei Yan's shoulder: "Wen Chang, don't be hasty." He then turned to Zhao Yun and asked, "Zilong, what good plan do you have?"

Zhao Yun dipped his fingertip in wine and drew the terrain of the northern desert on the table: "The various Xianbei tribes have always been outwardly united but inwardly divided. Budugen and Kebineng have a long-standing feud; if we can sow discord between them..."

"No, His Majesty only wants to sweep away these tribes with overwhelming force, and will not resort to divisive tactics. Especially after this battle, it will be even less likely." Wei Yan shook his head.

After a moment's thought, Zhao Yun immediately understood the reasoning. When the strength of both sides is not too different, it is most appropriate to use the method of sowing discord. However, when the strength of both sides is too different, there is no need to do so at all.

The Tang Dynasty's strength far surpasses that of the various tribes beyond the Great Wall. Once we find their stronghold, we can simply attack directly. Why resort to such a divisive tactic?

"Forget it, His Majesty will make the decision on this matter. All we need to do is strive forward and kill the bandits." Xu Huang said nonchalantly, "Right now, I'm only concerned about whether my rank can be raised and my fiefdom can be increased after this great battle."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun couldn't help but smile: "Gongming is indeed a straightforward man. However, given His Majesty's clear-cut nature in rewarding and punishing, those who have rendered great service in this battle will inevitably be ennobled and promoted."

Wei Yan rubbed his hands together, eager to get started. "Then what are we waiting for? Tomorrow I'll lead a light cavalry north and wipe out the Xianbei's pastures first!"

“Wen Chang, winter has arrived and heavy snow is falling. Attacking at this time will likely result in heavy losses for our army. This is not advisable, not advisable,” Xu Huang hurriedly advised.

"Hmph, if that's what you two think, then Kebineng probably thinks the same way. They might even think we don't have the courage to leave the pass and can only cower in Yanmen, waiting for next spring before launching an attack!" Wei Yan's eyes flashed with a fierce light.

Zhao Yun and Xu Huang's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Although the idea was bold, it was not impossible to implement, and if successful, it would bring enormous benefits.

Zhao Yun pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Wen Chang's plan, though risky, perfectly embodies the military principle of 'attacking unexpectedly and catching the enemy off guard.' However..."

Xu Huang continued, "However, we need to select elite troops and strong generals, and travel light. The winds and snow in the northern deserts are unpredictable; if a blizzard blocks the mountains, we risk total annihilation."

Wei Yan laughed heartily: "Hahaha! When have I, Wei Wenchang, ever feared any risk?"

Zhao Yun rose and walked to the side of the military tent, lifting the curtain to reveal a map of the northern desert terrain: "In that case, the three of us should plan carefully. After Kebineng's defeat, he will surely rest at the northern foot of the Yin Mountains. This area is low-lying and can shelter him from the wind and snow."

Xu Huang traced a line on the map with his finger: "If we send light cavalry to break through this pass, they can arrive in a day and a night. However..."

"We just need a guide familiar with the terrain of the northern desert." Zhao Yun turned and called out to the outside of the tent, "Go and fetch Chief Tuoba!"

Before long, a Xianbei nobleman dressed in a sable coat strode into the tent. This man was none other than Tuoba Liwei, the newly surrendered leader of the Tuoba tribe to the Tang Dynasty.

After hearing the plan, Tuoba Liwei's eyes flashed with a complex expression. He said, "Generals, launching an attack at this time is indeed unexpected. But I have something to tell you: the blizzards in the northern deserts can bury an entire army overnight."

Wei Yan slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed, "Fortune favors the bold! Chief Tuoba, would you be willing to send a guide to assist us? His Majesty will surely reward us handsomely upon our success!"

After pondering for a long time, Tuoba Liwei finally nodded: "In that case, I will personally lead the way. However, our tribe's warriors must remain at the camp in case of unforeseen circumstances."

That night, five thousand elite cavalrymen quietly assembled. The soldiers all wore white cloaks, and the horses' hooves were wrapped in felt. Zhao Yun personally inspected the rations and cold-weather gear of each soldier.

Before departing, Xu Huang grabbed Wei Yan's arm: "Wenchang, this journey is perilous, please be careful. If you encounter a blizzard, retreat immediately!" Wei Yan grinned and said, "Gongming, rest assured! Once I return with Kebineng's head, we'll drink a celebratory toast!"

In the wind and snow, this surprise attack force vanished into the northern darkness like white ghosts. Zhao Yun stood there for a long time, then suddenly said to Xu Huang, "I will lead five thousand elite troops to follow closely behind, ready to provide support at any time."

Xu Huang asked in surprise: "Is Zilong worried?"

"Warfare is based on deception." Zhao Yun looked up at the snow-covered sky and said with some worry, "Although we caught them off guard, our enemy is not just a simple man like Kebineng; there's also the heavens!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Huang's expression also turned serious: "Zilong is absolutely right. The weather in the northern desert is unpredictable. If Wenchang and the others were to encounter a blizzard, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Zhao Yun immediately ordered: "Order the entire army to prepare 5,000 elite troops, with sufficient provisions and supplies for the cold. They will depart with me at dawn tomorrow."

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the tent. A scout, covered in snow, rushed into the tent and knelt on one knee: "Report! Our scouts have spotted Xianbei cavalry thirty li to the north!"

Xu Huang suddenly stood up: "Kebineng's man?"

The scout shook his head: "Judging by their attire, they don't seem to be Kebineng's men."

Zhao Yun and Xu Huang exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. The main force of the Xianbei had already fled, so it was strange that scouts were still appearing near Yanmen Pass.

Zhao Yun immediately ordered, "Send more scouts to closely monitor the movements of that cavalry force. At the same time, order General Wei Yan to postpone his operation."

However, before the messenger could set off, another scout rushed into the tent, shouting: "Urgent report! General Wei Yan has led his army out of the pass, and the Tuoba chieftain's guide says he has discovered a shortcut that will allow them to reach the Xianbei camp half a day earlier!"

Xu Huang slammed his fist on the table: "Damn it! This Tuoba Liwei is probably up to no good!"

Zhao Yun's expression changed drastically. He immediately donned his armor, grabbed his spear, and hurriedly said, "Gongming, you stay and guard the camp. I'll lead the troops to pursue them!"

The wind and snow grew heavier, reducing visibility to less than fifty paces. Wei Yan led five thousand elite cavalry, struggling to advance across the vast snow-covered plain. Tuoba Liwei led the way, frequently looking back.

The lieutenant leaned close to Wei Yan and whispered, "General, this road is getting further and further astray. Chief Tuoba seems to be heading in the wrong direction."

Wei Yan narrowed his eyes, his hand already on the hilt of his sword, and said coldly, "Chief Tuoba, which way are we going?"

Tuoba Liwei suddenly galloped several dozen paces on his horse, then reined it in and stopped, giving a strange smile.

"General Wei, we've arrived."

Before the words were even finished, countless Xianbei cavalrymen suddenly leaped up from the surrounding snowfield, their scimitars gleaming coldly in the wind and snow. Even more terrifying, Kebineng's banner appeared on the distant hillside!

Wei Yan flew into a rage, brandishing his sword and pointing it at the other man, roaring, "Tuoba Liwei, how dare you betray the Tang!"

Tuoba Liwei laughed loudly, "I am a Xianbei! Today, I will use your head, Wei Yan's head, to sacrifice to my Xianbei battle flag!"

(End of this chapter)