After defeating Li Hu's troops and seizing a large amount of food, fodder and military equipment, Zhao Muyun did not stop.
He knew very well the importance of speed in war and had to expand the results of the battle before Yang Yan could fully react.
He ordered the captives and some of the spoils to be temporarily handed over to the troops sent by Namtso for custody, while he personally led 2,000 cavalry from Hedong and 3,000 elite Qiang and Rong troops, and marched non-stop to attack Yang Yi's camp in the southeast of Liangzhou.
At this time, Yang Yi had already learned the bad news that Li Hu's troops were attacked at night and the entire army collapsed.
He was shocked and angry. On the one hand, he was shocked by the sudden betrayal of the Qiang and Rong and the cunning and swift use of troops by Zhao Muyun. On the other hand, he was sad and angry about Li Hu's defeat.
However, unlike Li Hu's bravery and roughness, Yang Yi is more proud and conceited. He does not think that he will repeat Li Hu's mistakes.
"Zhao Muyun only has 5,000 soldiers and horses. Even with the capricious Qiang and Rong barbarians, how much fighting power can they have?"
"Li Hu was caught off guard, and that's why he was ambushed! My camp is fortified, and we're fully prepared. How could we be afraid of him?"
Yang Yi rejected his subordinates' suggestion to temporarily avoid the attack and join the main force of his uncle Yang Yan.
He immediately decided to rely on the camp to fight Zhao Muyun head-on to wash away the shame of Li Hu's defeat and create an opportunity for Yang Yan's main force to encircle Zhao Muyun.
When the five thousand cavalrymen led by Zhao Muyun appeared in sight, Yang Yi had already formed his battle formation.
Ten thousand Dafeng infantrymen formed a dense defensive formation relying on the camp and pre-arranged deer horns and trenches.
The archers were ready to fire, their spears like a forest, showing their excellent training level.
Zhao Muyun immediately stood before the battle, observing Yang Yi's formation and nodding. "Yang Yan is quite adept at training soldiers. Yang Yi, after all, isn't completely incompetent."
Wu Shangzhi asked for battle: "General, I am willing to lead my cavalry and charge him first!"
Zhao Muyun waved his hand, "No rush. Yang Yi is well-rested and has a tight formation. Even if we can win with a frontal attack, the losses will be heavy."
He swept his gaze across the battlefield, finally landing on the direction of Liangzhou City. "Don't forget, we still have an 'ally' in the city."
He turned to Namtso and said, "Namtso, lead the Qiang and Rong cavalry and march in front of Yang Yi's formation, shooting arrows and pretending to attack to attract their crossbows' attention. But don't get too close to their camp and trenches."
"Yes, General Tian!"
Namtso took the order and immediately led 3,000 Qiang and Rong cavalry, passing in front of Yang Yi's army like a whirlwind.
Dense arrows were thrown at the Dafeng army formation, causing the Dafeng army archers to retaliate. The rain of arrows was very lively, but the actual casualties were limited.
At the same time, the fast horses sent by Zhao Muyun had arrived at the foot of Liangzhou City and informed the defenders on the city wall of their identities and purpose.
On the city wall of Liangzhou, Zhang Zan, whose pressure suddenly eased, had already learned from scouts about Zhao Muyun's amazing achievements of a surprise attack on the Qiang and Rong people and a nighttime defeat of Li Hu.
He felt mixed emotions, including relief at having escaped death, admiration for Zhao Muyun's ability and courage, and an indescribable complex emotion.
But no matter what, the top priority right now is to repel Yang Yan and keep Liangzhou.
Seeing the messenger sent by Zhao Muyun at the foot of the city and the cavalry confronting Yang Yi's army in the distance, Zhang Zan no longer hesitated. He knew that this was the only chance to break the deadlock.
"Send the order! Gather all the cavalry, open the city gates, follow me out of the city, and attack Yang Yi from both sides!" Zhang Zan drew his sword and shouted.
Most of the remaining 2,000 cavalrymen in Liangzhou City were local cavalrymen from Longyou. They had been holding back their anger for a long time, and upon hearing the words, they were all excited and quickly assembled.
Just when Yang Yi's attention was attracted by the Qiang Rong cavalry's feint attack from the front and the Hedong cavalry lurking on the flanks, the gate of Liangzhou suddenly opened!
Zhang Zan took the lead, leading two thousand Liangzhou cavalrymen who had been well-rested for a long time, and attacked the flanks and rear of Yang Yi's camp like a tiger out of a cage!
"Oh no! Zhang Zan is coming out!"
There was chaos in the rear of Yang Yi's army.
Zhao Muyun saw the perfect moment and pointed his sword forward: "Men of Hedong, follow me to defeat the enemy! Kill!"
"kill--!"
Wu Shangzhi led two thousand Hedong cavalry, no longer holding back, like a steel torrent, gave up the mobile shooting, and with the most fierce assault formation, slammed into the Dafeng Army line that was in turmoil due to the attack from the rear!
In front, the Hedong cavalry charged head-on; on the side, the Qiangrong cavalry harassed continuously; and behind, the Liangzhou cavalry stabbed them in the back. Even though Yang Yi's army was well-trained, it was difficult to withstand this three-pronged attack!
Several holes were quickly torn in the front line, especially the Hedong cavalry led by Wu Shangzhi, who were well-equipped, experienced in combat, and extremely brave. They charged left and right in the enemy's formation as if they were in an empty space.
Yang Yi fought hard to command and try to stabilize the situation, but defeat was already inevitable.
After losing nearly two thousand men, he had to order the camp to be abandoned, burn some of the baggage, and flee towards Xiaoguan where Yang Yan's main force was located.
Zhao Muyun and Zhang Zan met on the battlefield.
Zhang Zan looked at the extremely young Hedong Grand Commander who had already stirred up the situation in Longyou with mixed feelings. In the end, he bowed solemnly:
"General Zhao came to our aid in time of need and lifted the siege of Liangzhou. On behalf of the soldiers and civilians of Longyou, I express my gratitude!"
Zhao Muyun dismounted and returned the greeting: "Exhortation Zhang, you are very polite. As fellow ministers of Dayin, it is our duty to help each other. Right now, Yang Yan's main force is still there, and the crisis has not been resolved. We still need to work together."
.......
The news of Yang Yi's defeat soon reached Yang Yan, who had just led an additional 20,000 troops to the Longyou border.
His face turned gloomy and he fell into silence. The atmosphere in the tent was suffocating and oppressive.
Li Hu was badly defeated, Yang Yi was routed, and the Qiang and Rong rebelled...
This series of defeats almost completely disrupted the chess game in Longyou that he had carefully arranged.
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