Arrows rained down on the Fengtian Army, which was crammed into the narrow streets.
At the same time, the front and back alleys were blocked by heavily armored infantry, their long spears forming a forest, advancing step by step.
"We've fallen into a trap! Retreat quickly!" the Fengtian general exclaimed.
But it was too late.
The streets were too narrow, and there was no time to retreat, resulting in people and horses trampling each other.
The Yin army attacked from all directions, slaughtering the Fengtian army that had entered the pass like livestock.
Outside the pass, Niu Dejin heard the screams coming from inside and his face turned ashen.
"Retreat! Retreat quickly!" He finally realized he had fallen into a trap.
But how could Xiao Cheyun let this opportunity slip by?
The gates of Lantian Pass burst open with a roar, and the Yin Army cavalry surged out like a torrent, heading straight for the Feng Army's central army!
Niu Dejin hastily responded to the attack, fighting and retreating simultaneously.
This retreat covered ten miles.
It wasn't until nightfall that the Yin army withdrew and returned to the pass.
According to the battle damage tally, the Fengtian Army lost more than 2,000 men in this battle, of which 1,000 were annihilated in the interior.
The number of casualties in the Yin army was less than eight hundred.
After Zhang Tao finished counting the casualties, he went to the central command tent and saw Niu Dejin drinking in silence.
"General..." he hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping himself.
"I know what you're going to say!" Niu Dejin smashed his wine bowl. "I underestimated him! That scoundrel Xiao Cheyun is too cunning!"
Zhang Tao was silent for a moment, then said, "General, given the current situation, a direct attack is no longer advisable. It would be better to temporarily retreat and defend Wuguan, awaiting further instructions from the imperial court."
"Withdraw the troops?" Niu Dejin's eyes widened. "We've suffered such a huge loss, are we just going to retreat like this?"
“It’s not a real retreat,” Zhang Tao whispered. “It’s a feigned retreat. Xiao Cheyun has won a great victory today and will surely become arrogant. We’ll retreat thirty miles and set up camp, feigning fear of battle. If he comes out of the pass to pursue us…”
Niu Dejin's eyes lit up: "If he dares to come out of the pass, open field battles are exactly what I'm good at!"
“Exactly.” Zhang Tao nodded. “Moreover, given the changes in Xijing, Xiao Cheyun may not be able to stay in Lantian Pass for long. If he learns that Zhao Muyun has summoned him back to the capital, he will be distracted. That will be our real opportunity.”
Niu Dejin stroked his chin, pondered for a long time, and finally nodded: "We will proceed according to your plan. Issue the order that tomorrow morning, we will break camp and retreat thirty li!"
That night, the Fengtian Army camp busied itself with preparations for retreat.
Standing on the wall, Xiao Cheyun looked at the firelight in the Fengjun camp and said to his deputy, "Niu Dejin is about to retreat."
"General, should we pursue them?"
“No.” Xiao Cheyun shook his head. “Although Niu Dejin is reckless, Zhang Tao is by his side, and he must have a plan. If we pursue him, we may fall into an ambush.”
He paused, then continued, "Moreover... news has arrived from Xijing: His Majesty has passed away, and the Prince of Jin is about to ascend the throne. There will inevitably be changes in the court. We border generals must remain steadfast in our duties and refrain from rash actions."
The lieutenant lowered his voice: "General, I heard... the Grand Commander is already on his way back to the capital."
A complex expression flashed in Xiao Cheyun's eyes.
Zhao Muyun returned to the capital, and Yinji ascended the throne.
The world of the Great Yin Dynasty is truly about to change.
In this changing situation, what should Xiao Cheyun do?
"Order the entire army to strictly guard the passes. No one may leave the pass without the order of this commander." He finally ordered, "At the same time, send out more scouts to monitor the movements of the Fengtian Army."
"yes!"
Under the cover of night, both armies made their own plans inside and outside Lantian Pass.
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