The rebel formation initially showed no significant change, merely splitting into two groups to engage our forces and the contingent emerging from the north gate, respectively.
After about five minutes of fighting, the rebels realized we were serious. The two encircling groups immediately diverted troops from elsewhere to attack us. Seeing the opportune moment, I contacted Zheng Bingbing, asking her to descend the mountain. Zheng Bingbing replied that she had already given the order and had a clearer view from her higher position.
I directly led the banner, driving towards the north gate. With few people around, I called a Yin soldier into the car, quickly gave him my hat and clothes, and had him continue to guard the banner in my stead. I then activated the Swift Wind Art and charged directly into the north gate, onto the city wall, and circled around to the south gate.
At the south gate, Zheng Baobao was personally directing the cavalry. Their horse blankets were laden with oil-soaked canvas jars, their mouths sealed with fabric, clearly designed for incendiary purposes.
I glanced back at Bingbing's group. The cavalry had already descended and were forming ranks. The rebel forces here had been partially redeployed to the northern battlefield, leaving their numbers relatively thin. As the cavalry engaged the rebels, Zheng Baobao ordered the sortie. The two cavalry forces easily broke through the enemy lines and began setting up a firebreak of branches, though they did not ignite them.
It was then that the artillery battalion appeared on the plain. They were utterly indistinguishable, their horse-drawn carts packed with branches, even with some stuck in the muzzles, which surprisingly served as camouflage. The enemy here had no idea what we were doing, likely mistaking us for a supply train carrying firewood into the city. Thus, they did not launch a full assault, merely skirmishing with our cavalry on the periphery.
Midway through the artillery's advance, some enemies finally reacted and attempted to attack the artillery convoy. The cavalry escorting them immediately created a wall of fire, while the cavalry from the city began throwing incendiary jars, forming a fiery corridor that extended to the city gates. The enemy had no time to attempt an attack on the flanks.
Approximately twenty minutes later, the artillery battalion successfully entered the city, and the cavalry could withdraw. However, some were entangled with enemy cavalry and could not retreat. I flashed over and relayed the order: "Do not return to the city. Go to the mountain and rendezvous with our forces. We need to close the city gates immediately."
The cavalry obeyed and, along with our reinforcement cavalry, fought their way back to the ring-shaped mountain. The rebels pursued them to the foot of the mountain but did not venture further.
After the fighting on this front concluded, I immediately returned to the northern battlefield. Our forces were at a numerical disadvantage, and the front line, which had been on the verge of a breakthrough, was reinforced by the enemy. Those who had exited the city could not return, and Li Yuanhao could not advance. Both were forced to withdraw. Li Yuanhao retreated to the mountain, while those who had exited were chased back. A portion of the enemy even followed them into the city. Fortunately, the area above the city gate was equipped with plenty of incendiary defenses. These were deployed, creating a fiery barrier that prevented further enemy advances and allowed the city gate to be shut securely.
As the city gates slammed shut, I let out a soft sigh of relief. The first battle had, thankfully, achieved its intended effect. However, the casualty count was almost unbearable. This rebel army was indeed an elite force. Our casualty ratio against them was roughly three to one. After this brief but fierce engagement, our forces on both fronts had lost an estimated two thousand men, while the enemy lost six to seven hundred – discernible from the colors of their uniforms on the battlefield.
Exchanging two thousand lives for fifty cannons entering the city, I was unsure if it was worth it.
However, the immediate priority was not the cannons but dealing with the rebels who had infiltrated the city with the imperial army. Approximately two to three hundred cavalry had entered the city, placing them at a severe disadvantage. They scattered in all directions, pursued by the imperial army and the city's populace. But these fellows were cunning; most headed towards the tallest structure in the city center, which appeared to be a grand hall, likely the seat of the King of Hell and his officials. Were they attempting a decapitation strike?
I was overthinking it. As the Emperor's personal residence, it should be guarded by the Imperial Guard. If the enemy could reach the hall, that would be their victory!
However, it seemed my overthinking was indeed just that. Standing on the city gate tower for less than two minutes, I saw commotion erupt from the direction of the hall. A shrill voice—likely an eunuch—cried out, "Protect His Majesty!"
Kuai Shu Ge