"A counter-strategy?" the generals wondered.
“That’s right!” Ma Zongliang said in a deep voice, “Doesn’t he want us to fall into his trap? We’ll send a vanguard in, making a big show of it! Niu Desheng!”
"Here!" Niu Desheng's spirits lifted.
"I hereby order you to lead 30,000 elite infantrymen, mixed with 5,000 cavalry, to form the vanguard group, and launch a frontal attack on the Northern Di camp early tomorrow morning!"
"The offensive must be fierce; we must adopt the posture of a decisive battle!"
"But remember, if the enemy's flanks make any unusual movements, or if the central army retreats, your troops must not pursue them too far. Immediately switch to defense, form a circular formation, and hold your ground while awaiting reinforcements!"
Although Niu Desheng enjoyed charging into battle, he also knew that military orders were absolute, so he clasped his hands and said, "Understood!"
"Li Biao, Li Bao!"
"Your subordinate is here!"
"You two will each lead 20,000 troops and position yourselves five miles behind the left and right flanks of the vanguard group, where you will lie in wait."
"Once the enemy's ambush troops emerge and besiege Niu Desheng's troops, you two will immediately launch a fierce attack from the flanks to disrupt their deployment!"
"Understood!"
"The rest of the main force will be personally commanded by me, stationed in the central command, ready to support all sides at any time!"
Ma Zongliang's plan can be described as shrewd and calculating.
He used Niu Desheng as bait to lure the Northern Di ambush troops, and then used Li Biao and Li Bao as surprise troops to counter the enemy's ambush. He himself had a strong reserve force that could be deployed to the battlefield at any time to secure victory.
This is a contest of courage and wisdom; let's see who comes out on top.
The next morning, the war drums sounded.
Niu Desheng led 35,000 vanguard troops in a massive formation, like a moving forest, steadily advancing towards the Northern Di camp.
Banners fluttered, swords and spears stood like a forest, and the murderous aura soared to the sky.
In the Northern Di camp, Wuzhu was overjoyed to see that the Fengtian Army had indeed "fallen into the trap" and sent out its main vanguard to attack.
"Order the decoy troops to put up a brief resistance and then retreat to the designated battlefield! The cavalry on both flanks, prepare to attack!"
Wuzhu excitedly waved his fist.
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