Tang Dynasty Bandits

Chapter 185 Breaking Through the Enemy's Formation
The most commonly used weapons on the battlefield are either knives or guns.

Guns have the advantage of length; as the saying goes, "an inch longer, an inch stronger." Knives, on the other hand, are better suited for melee combat. Their single-edged blade makes it less likely to injure oneself or comrades when slashing, and the thickness of the blade's back also makes them more difficult to break than swords.

Zhu Wen and his men, armed with knives, launched a surprise attack, which was advantageous for traversing mountains and valleys and for cutting down the disorganized barbarians. However, when the enemy formed a hedgehog-like square of spears, a frontal assault became difficult.

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages; there's no way to have it all. During a surprise attack, there are no oxen or horses to transport armor and soldiers, and the soldiers' carrying capacity is limited, so some trade-offs must be made.

While Gao Yanjun's small square formations were still well-organized, Zhu Wen could only order his soldiers to draw their bows and exchange fire with the enemy to suppress them.

But when the barbarians who had retreated from the north slope were driven by Zhu Zhen and Huo Cun, shouting and shoving as they pressed towards the flank of Gao Yan's troops, the government army's formation was suddenly caught in a situation of being attacked from two sides.

"Brothers of the righteous army, charge with me!"

At Zhu Wen's command, he took the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Sword and charged ahead towards the point where the enemy formation wavered.

In infantry combat, brave and fierce warriors often charge into battle wielding swords and knives.

Faced with a formation of spearmen, if the attacking side also relies solely on spears, the long shafts will become entangled, creating an awkward "spear-pushing" situation. The stalemate can drag on for a long time without a clear winner, and few will be effectively wounded. It looks more like a group of people performing a comical tug-of-war with wooden poles.

Breaking through an enemy's spear formation often required valiant warriors wielding heavy swords and charging forward at great risk. The renowned Mo Dao (陌刀) warriors of the Tang Dynasty were engaged in this kind of task.

These brave warriors had to face the thrusts of several spears much longer than their own, using immense force to sweep through the forest of spears and break through to create an opening for their comrades to tear through the enemy lines.

The infantry fighting style had an extremely high casualty rate, yet only tall, strong, and valiant men were selected. While this approach often led to victory, it also resulted in one consequence—the army was decimated!
They were all born of parents, so there was no reason for them to be taller and braver than others; they should just be sent to be used as expendable resources. After the An Lushan Rebellion ended, the empire's finances declined, and the compensation for wounded and killed soldiers often failed to arrive. The once-renowned Tang Dynasty Mo Dao soldiers thus fell into decline.

However, Zhu Wen had already made a name for himself as both wise and brave. He had a clear plan from the start of the battle and was able to lead from the front, so the warriors in the army were willing to follow him into battle.

Holding a short spear, Tian Jun followed closely behind Zhu Wen, sweeping left and right to deflect any long spears that might be aimed at him.

The three brothers, Zhang Guiba, Zhang Guihou, and Zhang Guibian, also put away their bows and arrows, picked up their swords, and joined the ranks of those charging into battle.

Even though Gao Yan's formation was shaken by the fleeing barbarian soldiers, and Zhu Wen accurately seized the opportunity, the risk of being trapped was still considerable. With a scream, a tall, yellow-faced man was caught off guard and riddled with spears, blood gushing from his wounds like a fountain.

Some spearheads pierced his face and chest, some struck his calves, and some pierced through his light armor on his chest and abdomen, penetrating his body.

He wasn't the only unfortunate one in this charge; soon, several more warriors failed in their assault and were riddled with bullets.

The warriors behind showed no fear. Taking advantage of the enemy's spears striking their comrades, they swung their swords forward, severing the spear shafts stuck in the corpses, and bravely charged into the enemy ranks!

The soldiers Zhu Wen selected for battle were mainly those described in Wu Qi's military strategy as "the lowly but brave," meaning poor, low-status, but strong and desperate to change their circumstances.

Because the risks of engaging in combat are extremely high, the will to stand out is sometimes more important than physical strength and combat skills.

These "cheap but brave" men are mostly strong and fierce. Among them are fugitives who have committed murder and runaway slaves from noble estates.

They hadn't been in the bandit army for long and hadn't yet acquired enough spoils.

Zhu Wen promised that those who distinguished themselves in battle would be richly rewarded, and might even be promoted to his confidants. He cited the example of Zhu Zhen saving his lord in the Battle of Muling Pass, and how he was given important responsibilities within a few months.

As the chief strategist of the rebel army and a direct disciple of Huang Yanshuai, Zhu Wen's promises were quite attractive to them.

Upon hearing Zhu Wen's words, they were already itching for a fight. Now, they disregarded their lives and rushed to be the first to act.

Fearless warriors from different directions tore bloody gashes into Gao Yan's army formation.

With the added impact of the fleeing barbarian troops on the flank, Gao Yan's army could no longer hold on and collapsed amidst the chaos.

When elite troops like the Longwu Knights collapse, they are not much different from undisciplined barbarians; they are filled with fear, abandon their armor and weapons, and flee for their lives.

Zhu Wen waved his command flag, leading his soldiers in a fierce pursuit.

Just then, a blinding flame rose up in front of them.

The fire spread, igniting tent after tent. Stacks of firewood turned into huge bonfires, their smoke and flames billowing into the sky as the mountain wind blew.

"What's going on?" the soldiers of the Grass Army exclaimed in surprise.

"Could it be that the enemy set the fire?" Huo Cun said, "But now that the two armies are locked in battle, even if they set the fire, they wouldn't be able to escape..."

“The barbarian soldiers are not treated as human beings.” Zhu Wen said calmly, “Even the Han cavalry and infantry who assist in the battle are irrelevant. As long as Gao Yan’s three hundred Changwu cavalrymen do not suffer heavy losses, he can report back to Commander Lei.”

Zhu Zhen nodded in agreement: "Although setting fires will kill many people, it will also hinder our pursuit. If the fire happens to severely damage our army, Gao Yan can turn the tide and win."

When the battle began, Gao Yan had already sent people to set fires.

As the elite force in Commander Lei's army, the Changwu Cavalry enjoyed the privilege of having flatbreads made with sesame oil as their rations. During the fire attack, this sesame oil was used as a flammable agent to start the fire.

Because of the hasty deployment, the flames could not be used to engulf the entire camp in an instant.

"Chase Gao Yan in the direction he fled," Zhu Wen said calmly. "That direction must be safe."

The soldiers responded in unison.

As several fires broke out simultaneously within the camp, many barbarians were driven by the flames to crowd towards this area, including the elderly, women, and children guarding the supplies.

Zhu Wen, of course, showed no mercy and ordered them all to be killed. However, the large number of corpses piled up ultimately slowed down the pursuit of the raiding party.

When Gao Yan and his men retreated, they discarded their armor to lighten their load. This way, they could outrun the barbarians and make them their scapegoats.

In a retreat, the brave are often the first to die. Gao Yan and his long-armed knights clearly understood that when the situation was dire, they must neither panic nor act rashly.

The sound of horses neighing came from ahead, indicating that Gao Yan and his men had found the stables and the Changwu Knights were mounting their horses.

The rebel soldiers covered their noses and struggled forward through the smoke and flames, managing to capture only a dozen or so unlucky men who hadn't yet mounted their horses, seizing them along with their mounts.

As the raiding party led the prisoners out of the enemy camp from another direction, more than ten of their own men were left behind. Flames quickly engulfed the camp gates, and the rebel soldiers screamed in agony as they were burned to a crisp in despair. On the mountain path, Gao Yan and Hua Wang Youdi galloped along on horseback.

Gao Yan, who was not wearing armor, had his battle robe in disarray and his forehead covered in soot, ultimately showing signs of defeat and dishevelment.

"The matter is so urgent, yet Young Master Yanwei still remembers to offer me a horse." You Di's voice was soft and sweet as she teased, "Could it be that Young Master doesn't like riding with me?"

Gao Yan glanced at You Di's clean face, took out a bronze mirror to look at himself, wiped the soot off his face, and said with a faint smile, "The Flower King is quite presentable at the moment. I am not the one who turns pale at the mention of the raid."

You Di's eyes flickered slightly, but she immediately covered her mouth and giggled: "He's not a military general, what's so strange about him being a little scared? Besides, a man like you with lofty ambitions, didn't you also throw your meticulously crafted lance on the battlefield? You don't know how to cherish women at all."

Gao Yan was too lazy to reply; the lance was no longer a possession to him.

Those who show mercy to You Di either have their souls stolen by her and become her tools, or die directly at her hands.

"Gao Yan and that old woman got away again!" Outside the government army camp, Tian Jun clenched his fist and said indignantly.

Gao Yan arrived swiftly this time, bringing only three hundred elite cavalry and two hundred mounted infantry. However, including the four thousand barbarians he gathered through the influence of Flower King Youdi, his total strength was twice that of Zhu Wen's entire army.

Zhu Wen's surprise attack only involved a thousand men. Upon discovering the chaos in the enemy camp, Zhu Cun would naturally have led his troops out to arrive, but by then the battle was already over before Zhu Cun even arrived.

The Changwu cavalry suffered a total of 16 captured alive and 21 killed by the raiding party – a less than satisfactory result.

In addition, this surprise attack killed five or six hundred barbarians and dozens of garrison cavalry and infantry. But the most ruthless attack was the fire set by Gao Yan, which estimated that over a thousand barbarians, nearly a hundred garrison soldiers, and over a hundred horses that couldn't be taken with them perished in the flames.

You Di's reputation among the barbarians in this region will surely be completely depleted now. But escaping is the priority, so Gao Yan and You Di won't care.

"This victory was far from satisfying," Tian Jun said, covering her mouth and nose with her hand as she looked at the enemy camp shrouded in thick smoke. "Even the supplies have probably been burned to ashes."

"Gold, silver, and copper coins won't melt in the fire; you can even find some after it's out." Zhu Wen lightly tapped Tian Jun's nose: "Are you satisfied now, you little money-grubber?"

Because of the fire, Zhu Wen didn't get much spoils from this victory. Although he did manage to capture a barbarian stronghold, the barbarian tribesmen were almost all penniless; otherwise, why would they have come out to risk their lives for Gao Yan for a little money?

In the end, Zhu Wen had to spend his own money to reward the meritorious soldiers after the war.

But regardless, a victory is a victory. Compared to previous encounters, Gao Yan's defeat this time was undeniable and irrefutable.

“Among the famous generals of modern times, none are more outstanding than Lord Ying and Lord Wei. Both of them were capable of long-distance raids, breaking through enemy lines and defeating enemy forces. They had the style of Lord Ying’s thousand-mile raid on Xueyantuo.” Wang Shenzhi praised them very timely: “I was born into a poor family. Only after meeting these generals did I realize the demeanor of famous generals of ancient times.”

It's only natural for merchants to talk, and Wang Shenzhi did not boast about his role in leading the way, instead placing all the praise on Zhu Wen.

With Wang Shenzhi's silver tongue, Zhu Wen couldn't force him to stay once they reached Fujian. Besides, Wang Shenzhi had already been quite frank; such a cunning and shrewd man wouldn't willingly submit to anyone. Even if forced to follow, wouldn't that lead to the fate of Fu Jian and Murong Chui?

"Leave two hundred men to clean up the battlefield, the rest of you return to camp to rest. Send out scouts to search for Shang Rang's army and make contact with them," Zhu Wen ordered.

"Gao Yan has been defeated, and Shang Rang's side has probably won a battle as well. Is this battle over for us?" Tian Jun asked.

"We've got it on our end. The master hasn't."

Tian Jun's expression shifted slightly as she suddenly noticed that neither Meng Kai nor Duan Hongyan had come. However, the presence of even one of them would make the battle much easier.

"What other opponents does Commander Huang have?" Tian Jun asked doubtfully. "Wasn't the main force of the government troops tricked into setting up camp in Wenzhou?"

Zhu Wen spread his hands: "Now that heavy troops are gathered in the Wenzhou direction, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to enter Fujian."

After thinking for a moment, Tian Jun asked again, "How about going through Jiangxi to enter Fujian?"

"We failed to cut off Gao Maoqing's retreat route. Although Shang Rang was able to win, he couldn't eliminate the core strength of the Jiangxi army. Jiangxi is a place where dragons are trapped, and it is not easy for a large army to enter Fujian through it."

Tian Jun couldn't help but wonder: "Didn't we fight this battle for nothing? Although Gao Yan lost face and some supplies, the actual losses don't seem to be that great."

Zhu Wen smiled slightly: "That's why Master and the others are now attacking barbarian villages all over the mountains to capture people. They've probably captured tens of thousands by now."

"Barbarians?" Tian Jun asked in confusion, "Why are you capturing these barbarians?"

Wang Shenzhi, standing to the side, provided the answer: "From Quzhou, heading south, there is a small path that leads directly into Jianzhou, and then east to Fuzhou. I often take this route when I travel as a merchant. However, this road is narrow and cannot accommodate large armies."

Zhu Wen nodded: "Since there is no main road, let's carve one out."

Wang Shenzhi flattered, "General Huang's feat of opening up mountains and building roads, connecting Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian, is a monumental achievement that will benefit future generations! Even Zhang Jiuling, the famous prime minister during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, could not compare to his accomplishments in opening the Meiguan Ancient Road!"

Zhu Wen was completely convinced of this, because apart from the coastal road along Wenzhou, which was frequently flooded by the sea, there was no main road between Fujian and Zhejiang that was easy to travel on.

He suddenly remembered a poem written by Mr. Pi Rixiu.

Everyone says the Sui Dynasty perished because of this river, yet to this day, its waters flow for thousands of miles. If it weren't for the water palaces and dragon boats, its merit would rival that of Yu the Great.

This is a poem by Pi Rixiu praising the Grand Canal built by Emperor Yang of Sui, and the section of the Bian River that Zhu Wen was very familiar with is exactly what he was writing about.

The Grand Canal has brought blessings to future generations, but many, many people died during its construction.

This time, with the rebel army leading the way into Fujian, many people will die.

Huang Chao didn't want to sacrifice the lives of his band of soldiers.

So they could only feel sorry for the barbarians who had lived in the mountains for generations.

On the bright side, they are investing in a cause that will benefit future generations. Even if they die from exhaustion or falls, it is better than dying in a village fight.

But the barbarians would never understand such greatness.

This is normal. Zhu Wen knew that if he had been born at the end of the Sui Dynasty and happened to be forced to repair the canal, he would not have understood the greatness of the Grand Canal.

(End of this chapter)