After the generals left, Wuhan remained alone in the tent.
He walked to the bronze mirror, looked at his imposing figure in the mirror, and felt a surge of pride in his heart.
The father, Khan, grew old, and his sons vied for the throne.
Wuzhu, the eldest brother, suffered a major defeat in Youzhou last year, which greatly damaged his prestige.
If he can capture Longyou in this battle, or even conquer Guanzhong, the throne will undoubtedly be his.
As for Zhao Muyun's firearms...
He was indeed somewhat wary, but the news from his scouts reassured him considerably:
Those artillery pieces were heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to transport; the exploding shells were complex to manufacture and limited in number.
As long as they are not ambushed, cavalry completely outclasses infantry in open terrain.
"Zhao Muyun, let me show you what a true eagle of the grasslands is like," Wuhan muttered to himself in the mirror.
......
Half a month later, when Liangzhou City was in its most difficult moment,
Wu Shangzhi's western expeditionary force finally arrived at a secluded valley eighty miles southeast of Liangzhou City and set up camp.
Fifteen thousand combat troops, along with thirty thousand auxiliary soldiers, civilians, mules, horses, and supplies, filled the valley to the brim.
Inside the central command tent, Wu Shangzhi, Guo Luo, Liu Yi, Lin Yuan, Xi Sheng, Murong Chunhua, Huan Wu, Namtso, and others sat around a map of the area surrounding Liangzhou spread out in the middle.
"Lord Zhang Zan reports urgently: The main force of the Northern Di, numbering 20,000, has besieged Liangzhou, and another 13,000 troops have been dispatched to attack Guazhou and Suzhou."
Wu Shangzhi said in a deep voice, "Liangzhou's grain reserves can last for twenty days, but Guazhou only has half a month's worth, and Suzhou is in slightly better condition. We must lift the siege as soon as possible."
Guo Luo pointed to the map: "Judging from the terrain, the Northern Di cavalry have the advantage in open areas. The area outside Liangzhou City is flat and easy to charge. If we confront them head-on, even with the advantage of firearms, we will inevitably suffer heavy casualties."
“Therefore, we cannot fight head-on.” Wu Shangzhi pointed to Broken Heart Valley. “I suggest that we lure the main force of the Northern Di into this place, use the terrain to restrict the movement of their cavalry, and then cover them with artillery and crossbows, with the Mo Dao Battalion blocking the exit and the heavy cavalry battalion attacking from the side.”
Liu Yi frowned: "Luring the enemy deep into our territory is a brilliant plan, but will Wu Han fall for it? Although he is arrogant, he is not without strategy."
"Then give him a reason to pursue it."
A glint flashed in Wu Shangzhi's eyes. "Murong Chunhua, you will lead three thousand light cavalry out of the valley at dawn tomorrow and march towards Liangzhou with great fanfare. But do not get close. Set up your troops ten miles away from the Northern Di camp and provoke and insult them."
Murong Chunhua understood: "Lure him into battle?"
"Yes. Fight and retreat, heading towards Broken Heart Valley. Remember, make it look like a real defeat, but don't collapse. When the Northern Di cavalry pursue you, retreat into the valley."
"The ambush in the valley..."
"The crossbowmen and the long-handled swordsmen will secretly take up positions on both sides of the Broken Heart Valley tonight."
Wu Shangzhi looked at the three men and said, “I will give you one night to set up your positions and lie in wait. When the Northern Di pursuers enter the valley, they will attack at my command.”
The three men solemnly replied, "Yes, sir!"
Wu Shangzhi then looked at Liu Yi: "Move all twenty cannons of the Shenji Battalion into the valley and place them on the high points on both sides. Use the explosive shells sparingly, and fire them all at once when the main force of the Northern Di enters the open area in the valley."
Liu Yi nodded emphatically: "General, rest assured, the gunners have been practicing for three months, and they are guaranteed to hit exactly where they aim."
"Finally," Wu Shangzhi looked at Guo Luo, "the heavy cavalry will follow me. Once the ambush in the valley begins, we will attack from the flank and cut off the Northern Di's retreat."
The plan was decided, and the generals made their own preparations.
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