Chapter 562: 540. Start Of The Mountain's Ambush
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They watched the Xiongnu regroup, retreating to the safety of the open plains, where they could avoid further engagement. It was clear the Xiongnu were stunned by the Han's preparedness, and Yu Jin, along with Li Dian, knew that this initial success was just the beginning. They needed to press their advantage but with strategic caution.
Back at the main tower of the Great Wall, Cao Cao's general gathered in an meeting to discuss their next course of action. Xiahou Dun, still brimming with the adrenaline of the tense battle, started the discussion.
He praised Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai's for sending the information from the message of the Onggirat, Qangli, and the other Xiongnu tribes that supported them, emphasizing that it had saved them from countless casualties.
Had the Xiongnu's surprise attack succeeded, they would suffer numerous casualties as they would be taken by surprise and unprepared to counter such an overwhelming assault, foiling the plan that they had prepared to neutralize the Xiongnu's mobility due to insufficient manpower.
"It's clear that this Tugeh Khagan won't abandon his campaign so easily," Xiahou Dun began, his tone both analytical and resolute. "The man has united countless tribes for this purpose. A mere failure and retreat won't deter him."
Ma Teng nodded in agreement, leaning over a map of the surrounding terrain. "We can't give them room to recover," he said, his finger tracing the mountainous paths to the west of the wall.
"Tugeh Khagan will regroup and likely try to exploit the weaknesses he perceives. We will need to be one step ahead, implement our prepared strategy and lead them into terrain that disadvantages their large numbers and mobility."
Han Sui spoke up, his voice steady and calm. "I agree. Our terrain knowledge gives us the upper hand. If we can lead the Xiongnu into the mountains, we can strip them of their mobility and strength. The mountains are treacherous, and their vast cavalry will be less effective in those narrow passes."
The group formulated a much more detailed plan, building upon Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai's addition onto the strategy they have prepared before.
Xiahou Dun, along with Yu Jin and Li Dian, would hold the Great Wall as the core defensive force as they had agreed upon before. Their goal was to maintain the appearance of a defensive stance, luring the Xiongnu into a false sense of security.
Meanwhile, Ma Teng and Han Sui would lead a feigned retreat into the mountainous areas, taking with them only the most agile and experienced troops, primarily cavalry and lightly armored units that could navigate the rugged terrain quickly.
This retreat was not only designed to draw the Xiongnu out of their open terrain advantage but also to create a division among their forces. By separating the tribes from one another in the mountains, they could weaken the cohesion of the Xiongnu coalition, forcing them to fight on their terms.
After finalizing their plan, each of Cao Cao generals returned to their respective units to oversee the preparation. They checked supplies, assessed morale, and made sure that their men were ready to execute the strategy by dawn.
Tension buzzed through the ranks of their soldiers, tempered by the confidence that they now had the upper hand over the Xiongnu. The soldiers knew that this next phase could decide the fate of the Northern Xiongnu Tribes and their push into their lord's domain.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Xiongnu Tribes encampment, the atmosphere was bleak. In Tugeh Khagan's main tent, the chieftains of the coalition assembled to report their losses.
Tugeh Khagan sat at the head of the gathering, his face grim as he listened to each chieftain recount their casualties. To his left and right, his advisors listened carefully, assessing the state of their forces.
Among the chieftains present were Batu and Zolgar, along with several other chieftains who had secretly betrayed the coalition to gain favor with Cao Cao's forces. They remained silent and respectful not as brash as before where they ignored or defy Tigeh Khagan's emissary order, disguising their true loyalties as they reported the supposed losses of their own men.
One by one, the chieftains described the brutal results of the failed surprise attack. The smaller tribes, which had limited resources and fewer men, had lost between a quarter to half of their forces. The larger tribes, despite their more substantial ranks, reported losing nearly a quarter of their warriors.
Those who had already aligned with the Han forces lied about their numbers, claiming losses even though their troops had largely stayed back. They knew that any suspicion now could cost them not only their newfound allies but also their lives.
Finally, Tugeh Khagan's advisor leaned over and whispered a grim summary of their losses, the coalition had lost approximately 40,000 warriors, reducing their once-mighty force of 200,000 to around 160,000 which was a significant and disheartening blow, especially considering this was only the first engagement.
Despite his stoic appearance, Tugeh Khagan felt the weight of this loss deeply. His campaign had started with such promise, uniting scattered tribes into a formidable force.
Now, they faced the painful reality that the Han were far more prepared and resilient than he had anticipated, something that caused him to be suspicious because the Han shouldn't have been ready for them but he set that aside.
Rising from his seat, Tugeh Khagan addressed the room. "Warriors of the steppes, this is but a minor setback. We misjudged the Han defenses, but we are not defeated. Our spirits and momentum still far surpass theirs. We will regroup, adapt, and strike again." His words were forceful, though his tone betrayed a hint of uncertainty that did not escape the notice of those gathered.
Batu, one of the traitorous chieftains, quickly spoke up, his voice steady and reassuring. "Khagan, your vision has united us in strength. We underestimated the Great Wall's defenses, but with a revised strategy, we will break through their lines. We must be patient and gather our strength before making our next move."
Zolgar added, "Yes, Khagan. This setback should teach us caution, but it does not mean the end. If we press the Han relentlessly, we will find their weakness. We must simply be wise in how we proceed."
Tugeh Khagan while surprised by the sudden changes of Batu and Zolgar, listened to their words and nodding slowly. He knew he needed to maintain morale and unity within the coalition, or risk losing his coalition altogether.
Even though his advisors warned of the risks of another direct assault, he knew that retreating without a victory would be disastrous. Still, a direct assault on the Great Wall seemed futile with his current numbers.
After hours of deliberation, Tugeh Khagan and his advisors agreed on a revised strategy. They would attempt a series of smaller skirmishes and ambushes in the surrounding countryside, hoping to wear down the Han forces before attempting another large-scale attack. Tugeh Khagan hoped that these attacks would weaken the Great Wall's defenses, creating an opportunity to strike more effectively.
As the coalition leaders left the tent, Tugeh Khagan summoned Batu and Zolgar, along with a few other chieftains that had the largest tribe. He believed these men would be critical in executing the new plan.
Even though Batu and Zolgar had defied his emissary numerous times, had showed some changes and after he called them, had slowly changed and become more accepting of his order and their show of support just now cause him to cast them on a different light.
Unbeknownst to him, this is all just an impromptu plan that Batu and Zolgar come up with, so that they can inflitrate Tugeh Khagan's inner circle by gaining his trust, as they were chieftains of big tribes which was essential to the coaltion to gain intel for Cao Cai's forces.
"Batu," Tugeh Khagan said, meeting his gaze. "I will rely on you and Zolgar to lead our men into the mountainous terrain, drawing out any Han scouts and weakening their lines. Your knowledge of these lands is vital. Make them pay for every inch."
Batu inclined his head respectfully. "We will bring you victory, Khagan. The Han will know the wrath of the steppe." His words were confident, but inwardly, he weighed his next move carefully, aware that any misstep could expose his true loyalties.
Zolgar to the side of Batu, also promised to bring victory for the coalition and repeated Batu words of bring the wrath of the steppe to the Han, supporting Batu's facade so they will be even more trusted by Tugeh Khagan.
Preparation at the Great Wall by Cao Cao's generals and the meeting at the Northern Xiongnu Tribe encampment continued until late night, before each side finished their matters and goes to take a rest.
The next day, at the Great Wall, Cao Cao's generals do some final checking as the light of dawn shield across the Great Wall. Ma Teng and Han Sui's cavalry units had gathered near the western pass gate, ready to begin their feigned retreat into the mountains.
They checked their weapons, ensuring every soldier was equipped for the harsh terrain. Spirits were high, but the generals reminded their men that they would need to remain disciplined and agile to navigate the mountains and lure the Xiongnu into their trap.
As the sun broke over the horizon, the Han forces executed the first phase of their plan. Ma Teng's and Han Sui's men started their gradual retreat, leaving behind deliberate tracks that would be easy for the Xiongnu scouts to follow. They moved quickly but methodically, creating the illusion of a hasty retreat. Not long after, the Xiongnu scouts discovered the trail and reported back to Tugeh Khagan.
Tugeh Khagan, seeing this as an opportunity to regain momentum, ordered his forces to pursue. "The Han are retreating," he declared to his chieftains. "They know they cannot withstand our might. Batu and Zolgar, show them the folly of underestimating us!"
The Xiongnu forces under Batu and Zolgar leadership poured into the western pass, following the trail laid out by Ma Teng's and Han Sui's units. However, as they ventured deeper into the mountains, the wide-open plains gave way to narrow paths and steep cliffs.
The Xiongnu, accustomed to open fields where they could use their numbers and cavalry to full effect, found themselves constrained, unable to maneuver as freely as before. At a predetermined location, Ma Teng and Han Sui split their forces, with some units hiding among the rocks and others creating diversions along different paths.
The Xiongnu, believing they were on the brink of victory, continued forward, unaware that they were stepping into a carefully laid ambush. As the Xiongnu approached the center of the mountain pass, Ma Teng signaled for his archers to unleash a hail of arrows from the cliffs above. Chaos erupted as the Xiongnu, caught off guard, attempted to form defensive lines. Tugeh Khagan roared commands, rallying his men, but the narrow paths and steep slopes left them vulnerable.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Tang12
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Chapter 563: 541. The Massacre At The Mountain Pass,
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Seizing the moment, Han Sui led a swift cavalry charge from a hidden trail, crashing into the Xiongnu's exposed flank. The sudden assault caused panic to ripple through the Xiongnu ranks. The coalition's previously unshakeable unity wavered as tribesmen stumbled over each other in the confined space, trying to avoid the relentless rain of arrows and the onslaught of Han soldiers pressing in from all sides.
Batu and Zolgar, realizing the Han forces had set a deadly trap, quietly withdrew their own men from the battle under the guise of regrouping. They knew that any visible sign of hesitation or betrayal could draw suspicion, but their true loyalty to the Han made them unwilling to risk their men in a hopeless situation.
Even though Batu and Zolgar had withdrawn most of their forces, they soon received reports that some of their men had been caught in the trap and suffered minor casualties. The loss troubled them, but they accepted it as a necessary sacrifice to avoid suspicion.
With this small loss, they could justify their actions should Tugeh Khagan or the other chieftains question their commitment or loyalty. Luckily for them, the chaos of the ambush covered their retreat.
The relentless rain of arrows and the surge of Han soldiers pressing in from all sides had created a whirlwind of panic, allowing them to slip away without drawing attention. The other chieftains and tribesmen were too preoccupied with surviving or regrouping to notice Batu and Zolgar's strategic withdrawal.
Back on the ridges, Ma Teng and Han Sui observed their strategy unfolding with ruthless precision. Their forces, positioned high above the Xiongnu, maintained a constant barrage, hemming the enemy in from all sides.
The trap was holding, and the Xiongnu were finding it nearly impossible to organize themselves amidst the steep and treacherous terrain. Seeing the opportunity to further capitalize on the momentum, Ma Teng ordered his son, Ma Chao, along with Chen Yin, Han Sui's fiercest general, to lead a renewed assault.
These two renowned generals, each with a reputation for relentless bravery, joined the fray with their elite troops. Their presence revitalized Cao Cao's forces, sparking a fiercer and more devastating attack.
Ma Chao, clad in his iconic silver armor, led his men down a narrow pass, his spear flashing as he cut through Xiongnu warriors attempting to regroup. Chen Yin, a stout and seasoned veteran, took a different approach.
He commanded his men to fan out along the cliffside, raining down projectiles upon the scattered Xiongnu from multiple directions. The combined efforts of these two powerful generals shattered what remained of the Xiongnu's organized resistance, driving them further into chaos.
Meanwhile, Batu and Zolgar stayed vigilant, watching for the ideal moment to initiate a full retreat. With each passing minute, the Xiongnu's losses mounted. Some tribesmen, desperate to escape the slaughter, turned on their own allies, pushing and trampling one another in an attempt to flee the carnage. The narrow trails and sheer cliffs turned into death traps as men and horses alike stumbled and fell, their cries echoing through the mountains.
When the time was right, Batu raised his hand and signaled a retreat. His men, understanding the precariousness of their situation, did not hesitate. They began withdrawing, taking care to appear as though they were simply leading the remnants of the coalition to safety.
Zolgar's forces did the same, their disciplined retreat contrasting sharply with the panicked exodus of the rest of the Xiongnu. For Batu and Zolgar, the heavy casualties among the Xiongnu only served to reinforce their decision to support the Han. The Han forces were relentless, pressing forward with a brutal efficiency that left little hope for any who lingered.
The narrow mountain paths became chokepoints of carnage. The Xiongnu warriors, pushed forward by those behind them and forced into tight spaces, found themselves pinned against the rocky walls or trapped underfoot.
The panic spread like wildfire. Warriors tripped over one another, horses reared in fright, and confusion reigned. Men who had once marched confidently into battle were now desperate to survive, shoving and clawing their way through the dense mass of bodies. Those who fell were trampled by their comrades or horses, adding to the already staggering casualties.
Ma Teng and Han Sui, watching the scene unfold, signaled their men to pursue, but cautiously. The Han soldiers moved forward at a slower pace, maintaining pressure on the retreating Xiongnu without overstretching their own lines.
The steady advance allowed the Han to continue inflicting casualties while also rescuing their own wounded, ensuring they remained organized and ready to counter any unexpected Xiongnu counterattack while at the same time reduce the number of casualties they could possibly gain.
As the remnants of the coalition spilled out from the mountain pass and onto the plains, Batu and Zolgar discreetly merged their forces with the main group. They maintained a calm and collected appearance, masking the relief they felt at having escaped the trap largely unscathed.
Among the other chieftains, however, resentment and blame simmered. They were furious at the heavy losses and the perceived incompetence of their leadership in the face of the Han ambush.
As they made their way back to the Northern Xiongnu Tribes Coalition encampment, tensions flared among the chieftains who had suffered heavy losses. Anger simmered in the group, and soon fingers were pointed directly at Batu and Zolgar.
Several chieftains openly blamed them, arguing that their decisions had led to the disaster in the mountain pass. The accusations ranged from poor judgment to outright betrayal, as the more vocal among them argued that Batu and Zolgar's leadership had brought ruin to the coalition.
Batu and Zolgar, however, anticipated the backlash and kept their composure, knowing that engaging in arguments now could further fracture the group. With subtle glances and restrained gestures, they coordinated with a few other chieftains who also secretly supported the Han.
These allies helped calm the other chieftains, suggesting that they wait until they returned to the encampment to voice their grievances directly to Tugeh Khagan. Their persuasive words soothed the frayed tempers, at least temporarily, allowing the group to ride in strained silence.
The journey back to the encampment was somber, each chieftain weighed down by the sight of their reduced numbers. It was a stark reminder of the coalition's waning strength. When they arrived, their haggard, dirt-covered appearance shocked the guards, who had expected to welcome a victorious army.
Instead, the sight of the warriors returning in battered condition left the guards whispering among themselves. The guard captain immediately sent word to Tugeh Khagan and his advisors, who were waiting in the main tent with anticipation, certain they would hear news of a resounding victory. But when the captain relayed that barely half the force had returned, with no spoils or signs of triumph, Tugeh Khagan and his advisors were stunned.
Tugeh Khagan's advisors looked at him in alarm, but none dared to speak first. Tugeh Khagan's face twisted in disbelief as he gripped the armrests of his throne. He barely managed to keep his composure when he nearly slipped from his seat, shaken by the unexpected failure.
He had united the coalition with promises of glory and conquest, yet here he sat, waiting to receive chieftains whose numbers had been decimated in just two skirmish and they haven't even held the main battle yet.
As the tent entrance flapped open, the exhausted chieftains filed in, their faces grim and clothes still smeared with dirt and blood. Batu and Zolgar entered last, heads held high despite their weariness.
Seeing their disheveled state, Tugeh Khagan waved to his servants, ordering them to bring fresh goat milk and wine for the chieftains and to provide seating. He knew that if he was to understand the gravity of this failure, he had to first allow them to regain their strength and composure.
The chieftains drank in silence, stealing glances at each other, waiting for someone to address the elephant in the room. Tugeh Khagan, his voice low but steely, finally broke the silence.
"Explain to me," he began, "how our numbers have been so severely diminished. I trusted you all to lead us to victory, yet here you stand, half the men you left with." His gaze fell hard on Batu and Zolgar, a mixture of accusation and disappointment evident in his eyes.
Batu spoke first, his voice calm, though it carried the weight of exhaustion. "We were deceived, Great Khagan. The Han forces were far more prepared than we could have anticipated. Their leaders knew the terrain well and set an ambush that cornered us in the mountains. They used the terrain against us, pinning us down and showering us with arrows from high above. Our men were caught in a chokehold; it was a massacre."
Zolgar nodded in agreement, adding, "They exploited every advantage, herding us into narrow paths where we couldn't maneuver. Their archers rained arrows from all directions, and we lost many brave men trying to break free. The terrain itself was a death trap—steep ridges, sheer cliffs. We barely escaped with our lives."
The other chieftains, emboldened by Batu and Zolgar's accounts, voiced their grievances. One of the chieftains who had lost many warriors spoke up, his voice thick with frustration. "It was a disaster, Tugeh Khagan. We marched in thinking we'd catch the Han unprepared, but instead, we walked right into their trap. We need to change our tactics if we are to have any hope of victory."
Tugeh Khagan took a long, deep breath, his expression hardening as he considered their words. His advisors exchanged nervous glances, sensing the frustration building in their leader.
For Tugeh Khagan, another defeat was more than just a lost battle—it was a challenge to his authority, a blow to his dream of uniting the northern tribes under his banner. Yet, as he looked around the tent, he knew that his power was fragile, balanced on the loyalty of these same chieftains who were now disillusioned.
Trying to regain control of the situation, he addressed his advisors. "We cannot let this defeat break us," he said firmly. "The Han may have held the advantage in the mountains, but they will tire, and their supplies are not limitless. We can draw them out, wear them down. Our strength is in our mobility and our endurance on the plains."
One of Tugeh Khagan's advisors, a seasoned strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "The Han forces have exploited our unfamiliarity with the mountainous terrain," he said. "But on open ground, we can use our cavalry and numbers to full effect. If we move to the plains and lure them out of their defensive positions, we stand a far better chance."
Batu seized the opportunity to strengthen his covert alliance with the Han. He spoke, suggesting a new approach that, while seemingly in line with Tugeh Khagan's plans, subtly favored a slower advance, which would buy more time for the Han forces to strategize.
"It's true," he agreed. "The mountains have cost us dearly. We should avoid terrain that disadvantages us and rely instead on our strength in the open plains. The Han will grow complacent within their walls, and when they do, we can strike."
Tugeh Khagan, despite his lingering frustration, was receptive to the idea. Though his ambitions had been checked, he understood the value in a gradual, more strategic advance. His coalition might have been bruised, but he was determined not to abandon his plans altogether.
"Then it is settled," Tugeh Khagan announced, nodding to his advisors. "We will regroup and establish ourselves on the plains, where our warriors can recover and prepare for a new strategy. We will not be lured into the mountains again. This time, we will dictate the terms of battle."
With a sense of uneasy resolution, the chieftains dispersed, each retreating to their respective tents, some more satisfied than others. Batu and Zolgar exchanged a subtle nod before leaving, knowing they had steered the coalition away from further immediate harm and towards a path that could benefit their secret allegiance with the Han.
____________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Tang12
Tang12
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
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