Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 288 Conspiracy
This military meeting lasted until after midnight.

After everyone dispersed, Pei Yun sighed with worry, "This Pu Nu is far more cunning than Wu Yan. He set up this elaborate scheme, and even though we knew it was a trap, we had no choice but to grit our teeth and walk right into it."

When infantry fights cavalry, the advantage definitely lies with the cavalry.

Once the Pei family army leaves the city, losing the advantage of the city walls, their fighting strength will be greatly weakened. The outcome of this battle is uncertain, and the number of deaths is unknown.

Pei Qinghe sighed and said in a low voice, "What you said, I know it all too well. But you saw everyone's reaction today. Yang Hu agreed to send troops, and Song Dalang, Lü Feng, and Li Chi are all watching. If we retreat and do not come out, we may preserve our strength in the short term, but in the long run, we will lose more."

"We must not only send troops, but also win battles to completely win over the hearts and minds of the people and the army. As long as we win, Youzhou will be our territory, and no one can take it away from us."

Once you embark on this path, there's no turning back. Even if it's a path fraught with danger, you have to brave it.

Pei Yun took a deep breath and placed her hand on the back of Pei Qinghe's hand: "I'll listen to whatever you say."

Pei Yan casually reached out and grabbed Pei Qinghe's other hand: "Cousin Qinghe, wherever you go, I'll go too."

Pei Qinghe turned around and gripped Pei Yun and Pei Yan's hands tightly: "With you two following behind me, I feel especially at ease."

Since we're going to send troops, there's no need to hesitate.

At dawn the next day, the soldiers ate a hearty meal, each carrying two long, thin food bags. Those with soft armor wore it, and they took as many weapons as they could. They left the city through the north gate.

Pei Yun was left to defend the city, while Pei Qinghe personally led his troops out of the city. In the Guangning army, Yang Hu remained in the city, while Yang Huai led his troops to follow Pei Qinghe. Song Dalang and Lü Feng, eager to lead troops, also came along.

Li Chi originally wanted to come too, but Pei Qinghe kept him behind: "You are most familiar with Liaoxi City, so you have to stay and guard the city."

In reality, the morale of the Liaoxi army had long been shattered. They could barely hold their own in defending the city, but if they were allowed to leave, they would be terrified without even a fight. Pei Qinghe would rather have fewer men than be a burden.

Whether Li Chi understood Pei Qinghe's implied meaning or not, he obediently bowed and accepted the military order.

Pei Qinghe gave the remaining few hundred cavalrymen to Sun Cheng, instructing him to lead the cavalry to scout ahead and report back immediately if there was any movement or news.

Sun Cheng didn't say anything boastful, but bowed and accepted the order before leaving.

Pei Qinghe led the infantry on a rapid march, which, although not as fast as that of the cavalry, was much faster than usual.

Sun Cheng kept sending messengers back with messages, and they had already seen some fleeing soldiers on the way. The Beiping army was only about twenty miles ahead. The Xiongnu barbarians, like mad dogs, relentlessly pursued the Beiping army.

Pei Qinghe ordered everyone to rest where they were, and to drink water and eat.

This was a common practice before war. Before going to war, one must first have a full meal. Even if one dies on the battlefield, one must have a full stomach before departing, so as not to starve to death.

Yang Huai sat down next to Pei Yan, grabbed a handful of military rations from the grain sack, and stuffed them into Pei Yan's hand. Pei Yan raised her fluffy head, grinned at her fiancé, and said, "You eat too."

Yang Huai laughed too. No need for further words, they simply buried themselves in eating and drinking.

Pei Qinghe saw this scene, and the image of Shi Yan flashed through her mind, and a longing suddenly welled up in her heart.

Shi Yan was left in Tuhe County. I haven't seen him for more than half a month since we last parted.

"I'll get married after this battle is over." Pei Yun's familiar voice rang in my ears.

Pei Qinghe turned her head to look over.

Pei Yun's resolute and composed beautiful face revealed a rare hint of tenderness: "When I left the capital, I was sixteen years old. More than six years have passed in the blink of an eye, and I'm already twenty-two. Bao Hao has waited for me so devotedly all these years, it's time for me to give him a proper status."

In the face of a life-or-death battle, one should not be preoccupied with personal feelings. But who knows if they will survive the next battle?

Pei Qinghe said softly, "Alright, let's get married together."

Pei Yun smiled, pursing her lips. Two fast horses galloped over: "General, Chief Sun sent us back with a message. The Beiping army is coming, and the Xiongnu barbarians are in the rear. Please prepare for battle, General."

Pei Qinghe nodded, stood up, and blew the bamboo whistle.

The bamboo whistles, crafted by skilled artisans, were exceptionally sharp and carried far. The soldiers sitting on the ground immediately gathered their food sacks and rose, quickly finding their units by the sound of the whistles.

With familiar companions by their side, and weapons at their disposal, they turned around to find General Pei standing right among them, which boosted their courage even further.

Half an hour later, hundreds of warhorses arrived.

Tao Feng and other soldiers who came from the Beiping Army felt a sudden pang of sadness when they saw the Beiping Army's flag.

The soldiers of the Beiping Army were so moved by the arrival of so many reinforcements that they wanted to cry.

It is common for cavalry to rescue infantry, but who has ever seen infantry rescue cavalry? General Pei is righteous and courageous, and his army is brave and fearless, which is truly admirable.

Meng Dalang was injured, covered in blood, and pale-faced. He was too weak to dismount and bow, so he cupped his hands to Pei Qinghe from horseback, saying, "Thank you, General Pei, for coming to my rescue!"

"I should first thank the Beiping army for sending troops," Pei Qinghe said succinctly. "Now is not the time for idle talk. Please, General Meng, lead them to receive treatment and rest. We will take care of the rest of the battle."

On the battlefield, the worst thing is to be indecisive and drag things out.

Meng Dalang didn't feign politeness or refuse. After half a day of fierce fighting and a day and a half of fleeing, both he and his horse were utterly exhausted and unable to fight any longer. Instead of wasting time on pleasantries, he should rest for a while to recover his strength so he could fight another battle.

Meng Dalang led a group of soldiers from the Beiping Army to settle down and rest in the dense forest to the side.

Pei Qinghe continued to make arrangements.

In less than half an hour, the ground began to tremble.

The Xiongnu barbarians' pursuers are here!
"Prepare the tripwires!"

"Archers prepare!"

"Pikemen and shieldmen, prepare!"

Pei Qinghe's face was cold as he issued a series of military orders.

The Xiongnu barbarians charged forward with savage grins. The fastest one was tripped by a thick, long tripwire and fell heavily off his horse, his head breaking off and his body being trampled to pieces by the galloping warhorses behind him.

The numerous tripwires set up are incredibly lethal.

The Xiongnu barbarians were not stupid at all; they quickly slowed their horses down and took out their bows and arrows. They had all practiced riding and archery since childhood, and their arrows were accurate.

Pei's army was not intimidated at all and returned fire with arrows.

As the distance closed and it became inconvenient to shoot arrows, everyone immediately threw away their bows and arrows and drew their long swords.

This battle was a desperate struggle from the very beginning.

Pei Qinghe, as the commander-in-chief, was responsible for directing everyone in battle, making it inconvenient for him to charge ahead. Pei Yan, Yang Huai, and the others shouted and brandished their swords.

One by one, the Xiongnu barbarians were killed.

Familiar faces fell one by one.

Pei Qinghe had no time to grieve for the dead; she drew her long sword and charged straight at the Xiongnu barbarians.

(End of this chapter)