Chapter 006: The Iron Cavalry of Guan Ning, Advance!
Abatai, Ajige, and Sigeer... The elite generals whom Huang Taiji valued the most had all advanced, yet the good news he awaited had not yet arrived. At that moment, the four thousand stragglers of the Guanning Iron Cavalry arrived, launching a fierce assault on the flank of the Later Jin army. Under the pincer attack of the two cavalry forces, the Later Jin army ultimately fell into an irretrievable chaos
"As you command!" Wu Sangui said loudly and with great enthusiasm
When he raised his head, Zhu Bin clearly sensed the defiance in Liu Feng's eyes. It was no wonder; he held no official position, while Liu Feng was in charge of three captains and thirty-seven soldiers as the flag officer. Moreover, being younger than Liu Feng, it was indeed unlikely for Liu Feng to fully accept him.
To exercise caution, Hong Taiji committed nearly all of his military forces, intending to completely annihilate the Guanning Iron Cavalry within one hour, while also demonstrating to others in Beijing the consequences of resistance. One hour passed, then two hours passed. Although the Guanning Iron Cavalry had long become a small isolated island in the vast ocean of the Eight Banners army, no matter how fierce the waves were, they could not submerge this tiny island.
Upon hearing these words, the officials on the city tower felt that the commander had lost his mind. In the Ming Dynasty, there had never been a commoner leading troops into battle, let alone two young lads who had not yet shed their baby hair. Although these two had managed to rescue Wu Xiang with the strength of merely twenty men yesterday, it was only because the Later Jin soldiers were unaware of their true capabilities that they succeeded. Now, although Yishiha at the foot of the city is not a renowned general of the Later Jin, he has at least experienced many battles; how could these two young men possibly contend with him? Although these two had managed to rescue Wu Xiang with the strength of merely twenty men yesterday, it was only because the Later Jin soldiers were unaware of their true capabilities that they succeeded. Now, although Yishiha at the foot of the city is not a renowned general of the Later Jin, he has at least experienced many battles; how could these two young men possibly contend with him?
In those years, Emperor Hong Taiji took a detour through Mongolia to launch a surprise attack on the capital. Yuan Chonghuan personally led 9,000 cavalry from Guanning to provide support, marching urgently for two days and two nights over a distance of 350 li, losing 4,000 cavalry along the way, but ultimately arriving at the outskirts of Beijing in time.
Zhu Bin's expression, fluctuating between joy and anger, did not escape the keen eyes of the experienced Zu Dashou. At this moment, Zu Dashou spoke with a rare air of arrogance: "Do you know what kind of army the fifty cavalry I provided you with from hetushucom.com is? That is the Guanning Iron Cavalry, trained personally by General Yuan! Back then, outside Guangqumen, my Guanning Iron Cavalry achieved a great victory over the Jurchen army of one hundred thousand with just nine thousand men. Is that not far more glorious than today's situation?"
Damn it! Zhu Bin cursed inwardly. Zu Dashou, if you find me displeasing, just say it early; I will pack my things and leave immediately. Giving me fifty cavalry to fight against two thousand Tartars, isn't that just asking for death? Looking at Wu Sangui's excited expression, Zhu Bin couldn't understand; is it really worth being so happy about going to one's death?
Guanning Iron Cavalry, advance!
The name "Guan Ning Iron Cavalry" made Zhu Bin feel a bit dizzy.
I will provide each of you with fifty cavalry. You two will charge out from the east and west gates to attack the flanks of the Jurchens. At this moment, the cavalry of the Later Jin is already fatigued, and they will not expect us to engage in battle, believing we will not dare to confront them. Your surprise attack will surely cause great chaos among the enemy forces. " Zu Dashou confidently assessed the situation and said: "Then our main army will launch a frontal assault, and the Later Jin army will undoubtedly be defeated.
The enemy's momentum has waned; this is the opportune moment to defeat them. Although you two hold no official positions, I still intend to assign you both important responsibilities. I hope you will not disappoint my expectations," said Zu Dashou calmly
Wu Sangui's face suddenly lit up with excitement, his eager demeanor suggesting he could hardly wait to go into battle. Zhu Bin felt a deep sense of despair; what did the war have to do with him? There were so many great generals around, why on earth would Zu Dashou choose him? Yet, knowing his own plight, Zhu Bin could only wait anxiously with a furrowed brow for Zu Dashou's orders.
On that morning, the two armies set up the battlefield outside Guangqumen. This was by no means a battle of equal strength. On one side was the army of one hundred thousand Eight Banners personally commanded by Huang Taiji, while on the other side were Yuan Chonghuan and his five thousand Guanning Iron Cavalry. The Guanning Iron Cavalry was divided into three parts: Zu Dashou arranged his troops in the south, Wang Chengyun positioned his forces in the southwest, and Yuan Chonghuan personally led the standard battalion in the west
This flag officer named Liu Feng is only a few years younger than Zhu Bin, appearing to be just over twenty. He is half a head taller than Zhu Bin, with a face that bears the characteristic arrogance of the Liao soldiers. Standing there, it seems that no one, except for Zu Dashou, is worthy of his attention.
Upon hearing that he was assigned to the renowned Guan Ning Iron Cavalry, Zhu Bin felt somewhat reassured. However, considering that even the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry, no matter how formidable, would be tasked with charging into the enemy camp with only fifty riders, it seemed rather perilous.
Unfortunately, before he could say anything, Liu Feng had already gathered his subordinates. Zu Dashou had added twelve cavalrymen to his ranks. Seeing Wu Sangui, who was already eager to act, Zu Dashou smiled with satisfaction and pointed sternly towards the city gate.
At that moment, Wu Sangui and Zhu Bin stood up loudly in response
While eating and chatting with Zu Dashou, an hour had passed before they knew it. Suddenly, Zu Dashou stood up and patted the shoulders of the two younger ones: "Let's go up and take a look; those people must be tired from all the fuss!"
Zhu Dashou's lips curled into a slight smile as he slowly said: "Wu Sangui, Zhu Bin"
Liu Feng! With the voice of Zu Dashou, a young man dressed in the attire of a flag officer stepped forward
A peculiar scene appeared on the battlefield at that time: the vast expanse was filled with the retreating troops of the Later Jin, while only a mere few thousand Guanning cavalry were closely pursuing them
"It is!" Liu Feng said loudly as he lowered his head
What Zhu Bin most wants to do now is to sincerely say to Liu Feng: "General Liu Qi, I am lacking in both virtue and ability; it would be better for you to lead the surprise attack..."
That General Qian Zhao was so enraged that his face turned pale, standing there with his body trembling uncontrollably. If it were not for the death order from Grand Master Zu, he would have likely led his brothers down to fight to the death.
Zhu Bin, appearing again on the city tower, noticed that the Jurchen cavalry had lost their earlier vigor, each looking somewhat dispirited as they gazed at Jianchang City. Some cavalrymen simply dismounted and sat on the ground, muttering incessantly in curses. The words they uttered were filled with all sorts of foul language, cursing the people of the Southern Dynasties as a bunch of timid turtles, only daring to hide in their own shells.
Zu Dashou said with a stern expression: "From now on, you will be under the command of Zhu Bin. All battlefield operations will be directed by Zhu Bin. Anyone who disobeys military orders... I believe you know what will happen next."