Before learning the news of the defeat at Jiukouyi, Zhang Xianzhong received another piece of news: Li Xingzhong led 10,000 cavalrymen, lightly armed and coming from the south.
"What?" Zhang Xianzhong was shocked. "I gave Sun Kewang 15,000 soldiers and horses, but he couldn't stop us?"
Military Advisor Wang Zhaolin held his breath for a long time before finally saying, "Father-in-law, Sun Kewang might have done it on purpose."
Zhang Xianzhong had no time to think about whether Sun Kewang was a traitor. He now faced a difficult choice: to continue fighting to the death or to escape as soon as possible?
The Ming army from Chengtian Prefecture blocked the way in front, and Li Xingzhong was chasing them from behind.
If he continued to fight to the death, he would be surrounded.
Escape is not easy either.
If a rout occurs, all his troops will be killed here.
An excellent general will not rigidly execute a plan, but will make temporary adjustments based on the situation on the battlefield.
Zhang Xianzhong was an excellent general.
The fact that the rebellion began in the third year of Chongzhen and was not suppressed for fifteen years has already proved this point.
After a brief thought, Zhang Xianzhong quickly issued an order: "The Ming army is coming from both sides with great momentum and is unstoppable. A few miles east of Chengtian Prefecture is a hilly area, and further east is a large mountainous area. Once we enter the mountains, the Ming army will not dare to pursue us."
"Order Liu Wenxiu to cover the rear, and the rest of the troops to follow me into the mountains."
"Should we send someone to inform Li Zicheng that our troops are retreating?" Wang Zhaolin asked.
Zhang Xianzhong curled his lips and said disdainfully: "Li Zicheng has looked down on me several times, and he even threatened to kill me!"
"He will be punished for multiple crimes. Let him take the blame for me this time!"
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