xymnovel Chapter 69 Lü Guang's Scheme
Chapter 69 Lü Guang's Scheme
Where is Xu Sima?
Han Feng sat atop a tall horse, clad in golden armor, his expression dignified.
Upon hearing that Vice General Gao Lan, Cao Kewei (son of Cao Kewei), and Dong Yuan (daughter of Dong Yuan) all advocated for a cautious approach, Han Feng, who was originally very cautious about this battle and eager to make a name for himself, naturally did not insist on opposing their opinions and risk such a dangerous situation for nothing.
He then raised his voice and gave the order: "I command you to lead three hundred elite soldiers in three groups to explore the valley. Be sure to thoroughly search every suspicious spot!"
According to the military system of the Cangming Dynasty, Sima was already a mid-level officer, equivalent to a battalion commander of a reinforced battalion in later times.
"This subordinate obeys!"
Xu Sima immediately stepped forward in response. He was clad in black armor, holding a long spear. He mustered three hundred elite border guards, who quickly divided into three teams and shot into the shadows of Tianlong Valley like three sharp arrows.
These border soldiers, having chosen to attach themselves to powerful families, have not experienced combat for more than two years. Under such circumstances, they can only maintain their military skills through rigorous daily training.
The army that accompanied them in this battle was precisely such an army. After all, Han Jun had his own plans, and if the army he sent was not strong, it would be difficult to realize his idea.
Soon, in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the scouts who had gone to explore returned.
Xu Sima rode up to Han Feng, dismounted, and bowed respectfully, reporting, "Young Master, the valley roads are winding, but the path is overgrown with rocks and weeds. We found no trace of any ambushes, nor any boulders, logs, tripwires, or other such traps!"
"Hahaha!"
Zhang Duling immediately burst into loud laughter, her voice so powerful that the surrounding air trembled slightly.
Then, stroking his bushy beard, he said smugly, "I knew it! Those cowards wouldn't dare to mess with a tiger! Even if they had the guts to come, they wouldn't escape this big knife in my hand!"
"General Zhang is the bravest of the three armies. With a general like him here to oversee things, how can Liangshan not be subdued?"
Han Feng rarely offered compliments, and his tone carried a hint of trying to win him over.
Although Han Feng looked down on such a simple-minded, physically strong, and fierce general, he actually preferred this kind of person, since such people were easy to control.
On the contrary, people like Wei Jiaxing, who are highly skilled in martial arts but also quick-witted, are the most troublesome because they have their own principles of conduct and don't care about Han Jiaxing, the young master of the Han family.
Han Feng himself was well aware that although he was the young master of the Han family, he did not come from a good family, and his mother was just a maid.
If it weren't for my military training and good military skills, I probably wouldn't have been chosen to lead the expedition against Liangshan.
Because of his own inherent disadvantages, he has very few people under his command who he can win over, and what he lacks most are good soldiers who are capable of fighting and can be used.
If we can win over Zhang Turin, his rough and careless nature will surely become a sharp and effective weapon, allowing him to strike wherever he is needed in the future.
"General Chang!"
Han Feng turned to the man behind Zhang Duling. The man was of medium height, stern-faced, and exuded a calm demeanor. He was none other than General Chang Zhengkuo, whom Han Feng had just mentioned.
Han Feng ordered in a deep voice, "General Chang, I hereby order you to lead the vanguard and clear the way. Remember, after leaving the valley, do not venture too far in rashly. Wait for the main force to catch up before making any further decisions!"
Chang Zhengkuo was also a well-known general in Fengxiang County. Although his personal martial prowess did not reach the Heavenly level, he was still one of the best among the top-tier generals.
What's even more remarkable is that he acts with composure and method. In terms of military leadership, he is one of the best in the entire Fengxiang County.
In order to help Han Fengcheng, the third son of the Han family, on this expedition, the Dong family not only sent out fierce generals such as Wei Jiaxing and Zhang Duling, but also allocated three thousand elite infantrymen, which was quite a lot of investment.
"This subordinate obeys!"
Chang Zhengkuo responded in a deep, resonant voice. Unlike Zhang Duling's ruggedness, he exuded a soldier's meticulousness and discipline, and every word and action was methodical.
"Come with me."
With a command from Chang Zhengkuo, three thousand vanguard soldiers quickly assembled, each wielding a long spear, and charged towards the valley entrance.
Han Feng's army of 18,000 men had now formed a disciplined battle formation.
Three thousand vanguard soldiers, each well-equipped and in high spirits, led the way.
Twelve thousand main forces advanced steadily in the center—including five thousand elite border troops, who were Han Feng's sharpest swords and would never be used lightly unless absolutely necessary.
As for the remaining three thousand infantrymen, they were assigned to escort the grain, supplies, tents, and equipment, along with the five thousand civilians temporarily conscripted, to ensure the army's logistics.
They walked at the very back of the group, their steps slightly slow, but they dared not slacken in the slightest.
Meanwhile, outside the Heavenly Serpent Valley, in a dense forest, a silent ambush was quietly brewing.
The dense foliage layered upon layered, cutting the sunlight into tiny dappled spots that fell upon the Liangshan heroes lying in ambush.
Most of them were dressed in coarse cloth shorts and carried weapons such as machetes and spears; some even held hoes and machetes.
However, the only thing they had in common was that their eyes revealed a fierce determination to fight a common enemy.
"King Chao, the government troops have entered the valley and will be leaving shortly!"
At this moment, Lu Guangbang stood behind the gnarled roots of an old locust tree, dressed in black, holding a Cold Moon Halberd, and spoke in a low voice with barely concealed excitement.
His sharp gaze pierced through the gaps in the branches and leaves, fixed intently on the direction of the valley entrance, without even blinking.
At this moment, Chao Gai sat on a huge rock, wearing a straw hat and a raincoat, holding a large knife in his hand, his eyes full of admiration upon hearing this.
He patted Lü Guang on the shoulder, his voice deep yet powerful.
"Brother Lü Guang is truly a man of great military talent. Those government troops only thought we would set up an ambush inside the valley and would definitely investigate thoroughly. They never expected that we would do the opposite and choose the battlefield outside the valley!"
He had previously only known that Lü Guang was exceptionally skilled in martial arts and wielded his halberd with unparalleled prowess. Only today did he realize that this man was not only the bravest in the army, but also possessed remarkable strategic acumen in commanding troops.
This ambush was entirely planned by Lü Guang, and it must be said that the plan was truly ruthless.
After all, Han Jun, the head of the Han family, sent his most capable son, Han Feng, to lead the army. He would definitely be accompanied by a capable deputy general. If they had followed the conventional tactics, they would not have been able to achieve a surprise victory!
That is why Lü Guang did the opposite. Han Feng, passing through such a dangerous place, would naturally be on guard and his nerves would be on edge. He would want to investigate the situation in the valley to determine whether to advance.
But once the valley is found to be safe, the tension in one's heart will suddenly ease.