West of the Yin Mountains lies the edge of the vast desert.
A scout rushed in: "Report! Grand Commandant, an oasis has been discovered three hundred li to the west. There appears to be a large tribe there; our scouts estimate at least one hundred thousand!"
The wicked man, who was examining a map, looked up upon hearing this: "Explain in detail."
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant," the scout lowered his voice, "that tribe is quite unique. Unlike the Xiongnu, they are not nomadic; they have already established fortified cities. The cities have tall arrow towers, and outside the cities are vast wheat fields..."
"Interesting." A glint of shrewdness flashed in the wicked man's eyes. "It seems we've encountered a civilized tribe. Meng Tian!"
"Your subordinate is here!"
"You will personally lead a team to investigate. Remember, do not act rashly. This Grand Commandant wants to see what kind of tribe this is."
Meng Tian accepted the order and left.
The other generals in the tent looked at each other in bewilderment.
This was the first time they had encountered such a well-organized tribe since they began their westward expansion.
"Do you all know," the wicked man said, pacing back and forth, "why I, the Grand Commandant, did not immediately order an attack?"
The generals stood in solemn silence.
"This tribe is clearly different from the nomadic peoples we've encountered before," the wicked man said, pointing to the map. "The fact that they've been able to build cities means they already possess a considerable level of civilization. Such an opponent should not be underestimated."
Just then, a secret agent from the Black Ice Guard rushed into the tent: "Grand Commandant, we've just received news. That tribe seems to be called Dayuan, famous for its fine horses. Every year, many caravans go there to purchase them..."
"Dayuan?" the wicked man mused. "Go on!"
"It is said that this tribe settled in that oasis a long time ago," the spies said. "They not only cultivate crops, but also raise a type of Akhal-Teke horse. This horse can travel a thousand miles a day without thirst; it is a rare and excellent steed..."
The wicked man's eyes lit up: "A fine horse? Interesting! Order the army to advance westward. This Grand Commandant wants to see just what this Dayuan tribe is capable of!"
The order was quickly issued.
Two hundred thousand Qin soldiers began their westward advance, their iron cavalry trampling across the boundless desert, heading straight for that mysterious oasis.
Three days later, the scouts reported back.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, Dayuan City is less than a hundred li ahead. However..." The scout looked troubled.
"explain!"
"The Dayuan people seem to have received the news. They've already arrayed themselves outside the city, with at least 50,000 elite troops. And..." the scout wiped away a cold sweat, "their warhorses look quite extraordinary."
The wicked man sneered, "A mere fifty thousand men dare to form ranks? Order the army to prepare for a decisive battle!"
Just then, Meng Tian galloped back, shouting, "Grand Commandant, wait!"
"Oh? But you discovered something?"
"Indeed," Meng Tian nodded. "This humble general witnessed it firsthand; the warhorses of the Dayuan people are indeed extraordinary. Their horsemanship is also extremely superb, especially their archery skills..."
"Archery?" The wicked husband became interested.
"Indeed," Meng Tian continued, "They seem to possess a unique method of mounted archery. While galloping on horseback, they can turn around and shoot arrows. Their accuracy is phenomenal, hitting the target every time!"
The generals in the tent wore solemn expressions. They had never heard of such horseback archery techniques before.
"Interesting," the wicked man said, pacing back and forth. "But even if their archery skills are superb, how can they stop our 'swarm'?"
"That's not necessarily true," Meng Tian cautioned. "The arrow towers of Dayuan City are extremely high, providing excellent vantage point for them to aim at us. A direct assault would likely result in significant casualties."
The wicked man nodded. This Dayuan is indeed quite something.
"Order the entire army to rest in place!" he commanded. "This Grand Commandant wants to see just what tricks the Dayuan people have up their sleeves."
Just then, a scout reported: "Grand Commandant, an envoy from Dayuan has arrived, requesting an audience!"
"Oh?" The wicked husband revealed a slight smile. "Let him in!"
A moment later, a tall envoy entered the tent. His clothing and appearance were distinctly different from those of nomadic peoples, instead carrying a hint of Central Plains culture.
"I have come to see the Grand Commandant on the orders of the King of Dayuan," the envoy said, bowing. "My king says that the Qin army has come from afar, presumably for the precious horses of Dayuan..."
"A BMW?" the scoundrel interrupted him. "Do you think I, the Grand Commandant, am here to do business?"
The envoy, neither servile nor arrogant, said, "Grand Commandant, you misunderstand. My king means that it is better to make peace and wealth than to fight. Our Great Ferghana is willing to offer a thousand Ferghana horses, only asking that you, Grand Commandant..."
"Shut up!" the wicked man sneered. "Go back and tell your king that I, the Grand Commandant, am not here to negotiate. Either surrender, or..."
He pointed outside the tent: "This Grand Commandant will show you what real warfare is like!"
The envoy's expression changed, and he clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.
"Order the army to form ranks!" the wicked man commanded. "Let these Dayuan people see the might of my Great Qin!"
Instantly, the 200,000-strong army began to form ranks. Cavalry led the way, infantry followed, and a swarm of troops formed the center. This formation had once struck fear into the hearts of countless foreign tribes!
In the distance, the army of Dayuan also began to assemble.
Their warhorses were indeed extraordinary. Each one was tall and magnificent, with bulging muscles, looking exceptionally impressive. What surprised the Qin army even more was the superior equipment of these cavalrymen. They not only had specially made powerful bows, but even their saddles were uniquely designed.
"Grand Commandant," Zhang Erhe said, leaning closer, "I've observed that the warhorses of these Ferghana people are quite different from ours. Their horses are not only larger, but also have arched foreheads, which is very distinctive..."
The wicked man nodded: "Go on."
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