Now, the Jiannu were attacking the isolated Ming army while blocking the main force of the Ming army from coming to support them. Fierce fighting was going on in both places.
This result was actually exactly what the Ming army hoped for. If the cavalry abandoned their strengths and fought against the infantry, how could they be a match for the Ming army, which had a clear advantage in weapons and equipment?
The bodies of men and horses lay scattered outside the Ming army's defensive formation. The Ming army also suffered heavy casualties and its formation was shrinking, but they still resisted stubbornly in their respective positions.
Despite being elite troops and having combat experience, each unit was given a stern death order before any action was taken. They were to fight to the bitter end, rather than flee. Otherwise, they would be subject to military court, and their families would be implicated.
Of course, running away was foolish. How could one outrun the pursuit of the Jiannu cavalry? Surrender was also unacceptable. These officers and soldiers of Liao origin knew all about the cruelty and tyranny of the Jiannu.
Every effort counts, and you can earn food and clothing for your family, as well as the 100 taels of silver reward promised by the superior before the action.
"Open fire!" Feng Datie blew a sharp whistle. Amid the dense sound of gunfire, the Qing soldiers who were charging forward fell down one after another in the splatter of blood.
A moment later, another long, sharp whistle was sounded, and musket fire broke out again. In the smoke, screams and wails came one after another.
The fast firing rate of the flintlock rifles and the tight formation of the troops greatly enhanced the density and continuity of the firepower, which was something the attacking Jiannu had not anticipated.
"Kill!" The front row of soldiers shouted passionately, and stretched out their rifles and bayonets to block the enemy who had rushed to them.
The musket fire paused for a moment, and a row of grenades flew out again, falling into the enemy group, causing another burst of shrapnel and smoke.
The Ming army's tight defense reduced the attack surface. Although the Jiannu had a large number of people, they were somewhat limited in their manpower and could not fully utilize their numerical advantage.
However, the Ming army was also constantly suffering casualties, and its defensive formation was constantly shrinking in order to maintain the density of muskets against the enemy and unleash the power of musket fire.
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