The Xiongnu invaded, and the first battle was a success.
The rumors subsided in just three days, and the flames of war reignited on the border. Scouts reported repeatedly that the Great Khan of the Xiongnu had personally led 30,000 cavalry, advancing with unstoppable momentum, and had reached the foot of Yanmen Pass, less than 50 li from the army camp.
Upon hearing the news, tensions instantly rose in the military camp. Although the soldiers' morale had been greatly boosted after the reorganization, many still showed nervousness in the face of the formidable reputation of the Xiongnu cavalry. Shen Qingci immediately summoned the generals to the central command tent. The map on the table was illuminated by candlelight, clearly showing the terrain, passes, and strategic points of Yanmen Pass.
“The Xiongnu cavalry are skilled at raids and have a strong impact, but after a three-day long march, they will inevitably be exhausted and their supplies will be difficult to sustain.” Shen Qingci pointed to a canyon on the map. “This place is called ‘Eagle Beak Gorge.’ It has cliffs on both sides and only a narrow path in the middle, which is the only way the Xiongnu can pass. We can set up an ambush here and catch them off guard.”
The lieutenants exchanged glances, their faces showing hesitation: "Supervisor Shen, although Eagle Beak Gorge is dangerous, the Xiongnu are numerous and powerful. If our ambush is discovered, we may be surrounded."
“It is precisely because of the danger that we have an opportunity.” Shen Qingci’s gaze was firm. “I have already sent scouts to find out that the Xiongnu vanguard will pass through Eagle’s Beak Gorge tonight, followed by the main force. We will divide our forces into three groups: one group, led by Colonel Zhang, will have 500 archers lying in ambush on the cliffs on both sides of the gorge. Once the Xiongnu vanguard enters the gorge, we will rain down arrows to block their retreat; the second group, led by General Li, will have 1,000 infantrymen setting up chevaux-de-frise and rolling stones at the gorge’s exit to cut off their advance; the third group, led by myself, will have 500 cavalrymen circling around to the rear of the gorge. Once they are thrown into disarray, we will launch a surprise attack from the rear, striking from both sides!”
He paused, then added, "Su Yunqing has already set up temporary medical tents behind the military camp, prepared wound medicine and stretchers. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, we must prioritize treating the wounded."
Once the deployment was complete, the soldiers immediately sprang into action. Shen Qingci personally led the team to Eagle's Beak Gorge. A biting north wind swept through, and the soldiers scrambled up the cliff face in the dark, their movements as nimble as monkeys. Rocks tumbled down the cliff face, making soft, rustling sounds, but no one dared utter a single complaint. Shen Qingci and the soldiers lay prone behind the cold rocks, their black armor covered in dust, their eyes fixed intently on the direction of the gorge entrance.
At midnight, the muffled sound of horses' hooves echoed from afar, growing louder like thunder. The vanguard of the Xiongnu appeared at the mouth of the canyon. The cavalrymen were all clad in gleaming armor, yet their faces betrayed their exhaustion. Their horses' hooves clattered haphazardly on the stone path. They clearly had no idea that a deadly trap had already been laid in this seemingly desolate canyon.
Once the Xiongnu vanguard had all entered the canyon, Shen Qingci suddenly raised his command flag and shouted, "Release the arrows!"
Arrows rained down from both sides of the cliff, their whistling sounds echoing as they densely struck the Xiongnu cavalry. Caught off guard, the Xiongnu were struck by arrows and fell from their horses one after another. Chaos erupted in the canyon, with screams and the neighing of warhorses mingling together.
"Charge!" Commander Zhang ordered. The archers switched to long spears and slid down the steep cliff face to engage the Xiongnu in close combat. At the exit of the canyon, General Li led the infantry to push down boulders and set up chevaux-de-frise, completely blocking the Xiongnu's retreat.
Just then, Shen Qingci led his cavalry in a swift attack from behind the canyon. His horses galloped, swords flashed, and he pierced the Xiongnu ranks like a black lightning bolt. Holding a longsword, he led the charge, his blade unstoppable. Seeing this, the soldiers' morale soared, and they roared as they fought bravely. The canyon was filled with the clash of swords and the flying of blood and flesh.
Su Yunqing hadn't slept a wink all night in the rear medical tent. She worked alongside the physicians, preparing medicine and bandaging wounds. Hearing the sounds of battle from the front, though her heart was with Shen Qingci, she calmly tended to the constantly arriving wounded. "Treat the seriously wounded first, send the hemostatic medicine by express!" Her voice was slightly hoarse, but her hands moved without pause, cleaning wounds, applying medicine, and bandaging—each step precise and efficient.
The fierce battle raged until dawn, resulting in the complete annihilation of the Xiongnu vanguard, with only a few survivors managing to escape. Shen Qingci led his soldiers to clean up the battlefield, capturing a large quantity of warhorses, weapons, and provisions. When he returned to the camp covered in blood, Su Yunqing rushed to his side, her eyes filled with worry and heartache. She quickly stepped forward to wipe the blood from his face and softly asked, "Brother Qingci, are you alright?"
Shen Qingci held her hand, a tired but relieved smile on his face: "I'm fine, we won."
A deafening cheer erupted from the camp as soldiers raised their weapons, celebrating their victory. This initial triumph not only dampened the Xiongnu's spirits but also restored the Zhenbei Army's confidence. Shen Qingci gazed at the jubilant soldiers, knowing this was only the first victory; the Xiongnu's main force remained, and even tougher battles lay ahead. But as long as the soldiers were united, and he and Yun Qing stood shoulder to shoulder, no obstacle was insurmountable.
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