The setting sun, like blood, dyed Jianmen Pass a dark red.
Lu Yan stood on the gate tower, looking calmly at the densely packed Northern Xiang Kingdom army outside the pass.
The wind blew his robes, making them flutter like a black flag rolling in the wind.
Zhang Xun straightened his back, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said:
"My lord, all the fortifications have been reinforced, and the cannons, logs, and thunderbolts are all ready, just waiting for the enemy to attack the city."
A glint of confidence flashed in his eyes as he spoke.
As night deepened, a profound silence fell over Jianmen Pass, both inside and out.
Only the howling wind and the distant wolf howls added to the chilling atmosphere.
Lu Yan stood in front of the map, studying the terrain of Jianmen Pass carefully by the dim candlelight.
He ran his finger lightly across the map, eventually stopping at several locations marked in red.
"These are all possible attack routes that the Northern Xiang Kingdom army might choose,"
Lu Yan pointed to the map and spoke to the generals around him.
Lu Fei stepped forward and pointed to one of the gentler mountain paths.
"My lord, this road is flat and most suitable for the army to travel. The enemy is very likely to attack from here."
Han Sheng then pointed to another steep canyon.
"My lord, I believe the enemy is more likely to launch a surprise attack from here."
"Although the terrain is treacherous, if we can successfully break through, we can strike at the heart of the enemy and catch us off guard."
Lu Yan pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the map.
"Defense must be established in both locations,"
He raised his head and glanced at the crowd.
"Lu Fei, your regiment will lie in ambush on both sides of this mountain road. Once the enemy enters the encirclement, launch an immediate attack."
Lu Fei clasped his hands in a fist and accepted the order: "Yes!"
Lu Yan then turned to Han Sheng, "Han Sheng, your regiment is stationed in the canyon. You must hold this place and absolutely cannot let the enemy break through."
Han Sheng clasped his hands in acceptance: "Yes!"
Lu Yan walked to the map, pointed to several strategic locations marked on it, and explained his plan in detail.
His voice was deep and powerful, and every word clearly reached the ears of the generals.
"remember,"
Lu Yan concluded, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"There can be no slackening in this battle!"
"Yes, sir!"
The generals responded in unison, their voices loud and clear, awe-inspiring.
Outside the pass, the camp of the Northern Xiang Kingdom's army was brightly lit.
Mu Qing sat in the main tent, holding a map in his hand, his brows furrowed.
"General, we have determined that the garrison at Jianmen Pass numbers only about 20,000."
"We have an army of 100,000, a huge disparity in strength. Why not launch an attack immediately?"
A lieutenant clasped his hands in greeting.
Mu Qing put down the map, raised his head, and looked deep into his eyes.
"Jianmen Pass is strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack. If we launch a direct assault, we will likely suffer heavy losses."
He paused.
"Moreover, Lu Yan is a cunning man, and we must be wary of him."
"He will definitely send troops from Shannan Prefecture to provide support."
He stood up, walked to the map hanging in the tent, and pointed to the location of Jianmen Pass.
"In this battle, we must proceed cautiously and step by step, and we must not underestimate the enemy or advance rashly."
"Pass down the order: the entire army shall rest and regroup. Tomorrow morning, we will split into two groups and attack Jianmen Pass simultaneously!"
......
Time flies!
Lu Yan stood on Jianmen Pass, gazing at the gradually brightening sky in the distance, and took a deep breath.
"They're here!"
He said in a deep voice.
Banners fluttered in the wind, and war drums thundered.
The Northern Xiang Kingdom's army surged like two black torrents, heading towards the mountain path and the canyon respectively.
The messenger beside Lu Yan shouted loudly:
"Report! The Beixiang army has split into two groups and is heading towards Jianmen Pass!"
Lu Yan nodded slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
"Pass down the order: musketeers, prepare to fire as soon as the enemy enters firing range!"
On the city wall, the musketeers, already prepared, had their fingers on the triggers.
The gun barrels were pointed at the surging enemy troops below.
The mountain path was narrow, and the Beixiang Army soldiers crowded together, slowly climbing upwards.
"Fire!"
Lu Fei gave the order.
Bullets rained down, and screams and wails echoed through the valley.
In the canyon, another Beixiang army unit was also ambushed in the same way.
Logs and rocks rolled down the mountain and crashed into the crowd, causing chaos and disarray.
"General, there are ambushes set up along the mountain paths and in the canyons. Should we change our strategy?"
"I can't believe it!" asked the deputy general beside Mu Qing, his forehead beaded with sweat.
Mu Qing's face darkened; he hadn't expected Lu Yan to be so prepared.
"Pass down the order: the army shall halt its advance and await further instructions!"
He said through gritted teeth, his fists clenched tightly.
The mountain path was littered with the corpses of Bei Xiang Kingdom soldiers.
Lu Fei stood on high ground, looking down at the chaotic enemy army.
He drew his sword from his waist, raised it high above his head, and shouted:
"Brothers, charge! Kill all these scum from Beixiang Kingdom!"
The soldiers charged towards the enemy like tigers descending a mountain, brandishing their weapons.
The roar of muskets and the clash of swords intertwined to create a symphony of death.
The soldiers of Beixiang were caught off guard by this sudden attack and fled in disarray.
In the canyon, Han Sheng also led his soldiers in a tenacious resistance against the enemy's attack.
He led from the front, wielding a long spear, charging left and right, like a war god, brave and invincible.
Logs, boulders, and kerosene poured down from the mountain.
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