Chapter 72: Rushing to Reinforce

  Cavalry has an absolute advantage over infantry, with a small formation capable of defeating three enemy formations and a large formation capable of defeating five.

  Infantry wishing to counter cavalry must rely on formation, using large shields and long spears to keep the cavalry at bay outside the formation, restricting the powerful impact of the warhorses. Then use strong bows and crossbows to shoot, suppressing the shortcoming of the cavalry's insufficient shooting range, in order to have a chance of winning. Once the cavalry breaks into the formation, there is no suspense left, only a one-sided slaughter remains.

  Huang Ge is facing this situation.

  Lü Bu broke through Zu Mao's formation and didn't give him time to react, directly killing his side. The Bingzhou cavalry had rich combat experience, they knew that the most important thing at this moment was not to kill many people, but to disrupt the enemy's formation. Once the enemy reformed their array, their troubles would be great. Under Lü Bu's leadership, they launched a surprise attack everywhere, using arrows to shoot from afar and knives to slash and stab up close. Wherever there were enemies gathering, that was where they attacked. The thousand Bingzhou soldiers repeatedly charged and retreated in the midst of the three thousand infantrymen's large formation, stirring it into a bloody mess, chaotic and disorderly.

  Seeing this scene, Huang Gai knew he had no chance. Lü Bu, skilled in cavalry battles, would not give him a chance to turn the tables. He sent someone to inform Sun Jian on one hand and withdrew from the battlefield under the escort of his personal guards on the other.

  Seeing the yellow canopy's commander flag move, Lü Bu let out a cold laugh. Fang Tian painted halberd slanted and pointed: "Pursue!"

  The war drums sounded, and the Pingzhou cavalry, which was rushing around, quickly withdrew from the battlefield, converged into two giant dragons, and chased after Huang Gai.

  ……

  Sun Jian's face turned iron-green with rage, his anger uncontrollable.

  Lü Bu suddenly killed Zu Mao in a surprise attack and defeated his formation, now he is following Huang Gai's pursuit, his offensive is naturally fierce, but his attitude is even more arrogant.

  Even if one-third of the 3,000 soldiers die in battle, there will still be 2,000 men left. Once they regroup, they can still block his retreat route. If Lü Bu dares to pursue him like this, it must be because he believes someone can help him guard his rear or that he can easily defeat Sun Jian's main army.

  Is my main camp so easily defeated?

  Sun Jian ordered the troops to form an array with their backs against the east gate of Liang County, preparing to battle Lü Bu. At the same time, he ordered Cheng Pu and Han Dang to support Huang Gai, raise the war flag, gather the scattered soldiers, and form an array behind Lü Bu's back, ready to encircle and annihilate him.

  Lü Bu saw the flag move and immediately understood Sun Jian's intention. He was not surprised at all, believing that Liu Bei would arrive soon to help him guard the retreat route. Even if Liu Bei didn't come, Zhang Liao wouldn't either. What he found surprising wasn't Sun Jian's arrangement, but the fierce battle intent emanating from his formation.

  "Isn't Sun Jian a fierce tiger?" Lü Bu muttered to himself: "His will to fight is very strong."

  Cao Xing urged his horse to hurry, riding alongside him, and with a flick of his wrist, an arrow flew out from the bowstring, shooting down an enemy general in the distance. Under Lü Bu's command, he was famous for his archery skills, and the only person he admired was Lü Bu. Lü Bu's archery skills were his goal to pursue.

  "General, who has strong battle intent?"

  "That's the Eastern Jiangdong's Fierce Tiger." Lü Bu said carelessly, "No matter how strong he is, today I'll pull out his tiger teeth and peel off his tiger skin, let Your Majesty see who's the number one master."

  Cao Xing laughed and said: "It should be so."

  Lü Bu led the Bingzhou army, charging towards Sun Jian's large array with unstoppable momentum. Cao Xing closely followed behind him, and as his bowstring rang out, one enemy general after another was shot dead by sudden cold arrows.

  As Lü Bu approached, Sun Jian let out a cold laugh and issued a series of commands. The more than 8,000 infantrymen adjusted their formation according to the orders, opening up the front lines. Lü Bu saw this and understood Sun Jian's intentions clearly, but he didn't care. He sneered and pointed at Sun Jian with his halberd: "Follow me, let's kill that fierce tiger and strip off his skin!"

  "Yes!" The soldiers of Jiangdong responded in unison, charging towards Sun Jian's large army without fear, ignoring the enemy who was trying to encircle them from both sides.

  Sun Jian saw this scene and handed over the command flag to Sun Jing's hand, drew out Wu Dao, and shouted loudly: "White Tiger Righteousness follows me, follow me!"

  "Rumble!" A thousand White Tiger Guards responded in unison, following Sun Jian as he charged out of the central army's formation to meet Lü Bu, who was killing his way over.

  ……

  "Has Lü Bu gone after Huang Gai?" Liu Bei furrowed his brow, very displeased. Lü Bu had killed Zu Mao and defeated Sun Jian's vanguard, a flawless tactical victory. But in pursuing Huang Gai, he was somewhat rash. Sun Jian was no ordinary man; with 7,000 to 8,000 infantrymen by his side, and the lesson of Zu Mao's defeat still fresh, would he give Lü Bu another chance?

  Once the attack does not work out and the rear is cut off, Lü Bu may suffer heavy losses.

  To ensure Lü Bu's safety, he must rush to catch up and protect Lü Bu's rear wing, preventing him from being surrounded by Sun Jian. To do so, he would have to lead his 10,000 infantry and cavalry in a forced march of over 20 li, and when he arrives, he may be met with either Sun Jian's well-rested army or Lü Bu's corpse.

  Liu Bian was very unhappy, but he had no time to be unhappy. He weighed it for a moment and immediately called for Huangfu Song.

  "Taifu, the military situation is urgent. I will personally lead the Youlin cavalry to meet Lü Bu. Please, Taifu, lead the infantry as my rear guard."

  Huangfu Song also knew the pros and cons, without any hypocritical excuses. He just called his son, You Lin Zhonglang General Huangfu Lu, and said lightly: "If Your Majesty has a hair injury, I will take your life."

  Huangfu Long bowed his head and accepted the order: "I am willing to defend Your Majesty with my life."

  Huang Fu nodded, turning his gaze to Jia Xun: "Wen He, you follow the Emperor ahead, assist the Emperor's military strategy. When necessary, be sure to bring the Emperor back safely."

  Jia Yu nodded: "Don't worry, Taifu."

  Huangfu Song turned his head, took a look at Zhang Xiu and Zhang Liao who were fully armed, before he could speak, the two Zhangs clasped their hands together and said loudly: "Please be assured, Your Excellency, we are the Emperor's first line of defense."

  Liu Bian laughed: "Taifu, if you let them all come to protect me, who will go kill the enemy?"

  Huangfu Song's face was devoid of any smile, he looked at Liu Bian, raised his hands above his head, and bowed: "Your subject Huangfu Song, I implore Your Majesty to consider the fate of the world, cherish your life like gold, and do not indulge in the bravery of a lone warrior. Your Majesty, with the dignity of the emperor, personally taking part in battle is already the greatest bravery, absolutely do not be rash, lest you have the worry of wearing white mourning clothes."

  Liu Bian's smile faded, and he nodded solemnly, tapping his chest armor with his fist: "The Grand Tutor's words, I have taken note of."

  A moment later, Liu Bian led the Yu Lin riders under the protection of San Bailang Wei, like a raging fire, rolling up a storm, and killing towards Liang County.

  First update, seeking recommendations, seeking Sanjiang tickets, seeking collection!

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