The black armored cavalry brought by Si Yue were all elites under the command of the Young King Yan, akin to the King's personal guards. Their combat strength was unquestionable. While they might not be able to fight ten against one, their eight hundred cavalry, facing two hundred enemy riders, would generally annihilate them within two charges. Especially since the cavalry released by the enemy were weaker, former allied cavalry, precisely the group captured just an hour ago. This was because I recognized the leader as the scout leader who had spoken with me earlier!
This contingent was dispatched from Lǐyú City, so Si Yue also recognized them. She immediately turned to look at me on the hillside, seeking instructions on how to proceed.
I made a gesture to retreat. Si Yue ordered the eight hundred cavalry to fall back behind the hill, not engaging the enemy.
A plan of self-inflicted harm could be considered, but it was unnecessary, as it would play directly into the enemy's hands.
Si Yue's cavalry unit retreated, passing by me. The two hundred scouts also pursued. I glanced back at Rú Huā, shook my head, and did not raise my hand. Then, I too retreated, allowing the two hundred cavalry to pass. Since both sides recognized each other, they did not engage on this side of the slope, merely confronting each other, staring intently.
"Sir, you've returned so quickly!" the scout exclaimed, seeing me, his voice filled with excitement.
I had no time for pleasantries. I immediately ordered the eight hundred men to surround the two hundred, and then, dragging the handles of their long weapons, they kicked up dust, creating the illusion of engagement. The surrounded surrendered soldiers understood and also kicked up dust within the circle. I estimated the time; after about three minutes, it should be sufficient. I then ran into the circle and said to the scout, "I don't trust others' acting skills. You go back alone. Tell them there's an ambush here and the whole force was annihilated. If the enemy asks how many were ambushing, tell them the truth: four hundred musketeers. Oh, and have they figured out how to use your captured muskets?"
"Not yet. The musket troops are tight-lipped. Several have been killed, but they haven't revealed the secret of the safety mechanism. Even I don't know how it works," the scout replied.
The Young King Yan, Qín Shūyáo, indeed trained her troops well.
"Then I trust you to go back. You should know what to say. My goal is to make the enemy greedy and have them send troops to destroy us." I thought this scout was quite intelligent; he understood as soon as it was explained and learned quickly.
The scout looked at my troop and asked with a frown, "Lord Wu, you have so few men. If the enemy sends their entire army, can you handle it?"
"It's a shame your Lord Harry is gone," I said with a wry smile. "Otherwise, I would have liked him to see how musketeers should be used. Go on, I can handle it."
The scout nodded, pondered for a moment, and then turned to Si Yue, "Lord Wang, please cut me. It will be more convincing."
Si Yue did not hesitate. She drew her sword, looked at the scout's left shoulder, and directly cut a large gash in his armor, causing blood to flow.
"...Why so harsh?" I asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing!" The scout gritted his teeth, clutching his left arm. "I won't die. Thank you, Lord Wang!"
Immediately, the scout turned back, crossed the slope, bent over his horse, and fled alone towards Lóngmén City.
"Is it believable enough that only he returned alone?" Si Yue asked me.
Before she finished speaking, several cavalrymen who had surrendered stepped forward, one after another, pleading, "Lord Wang, cut me! Cut me!"
Si Yue struck one after another, none of the blows hitting vital spots. Her swordsmanship was somewhat miraculous; each strike broke armor and drew blood, yet none were fatal.
The cavalrymen who were cut fled, following the scout back in a scattered fashion.
Once most of them had fled, Si Yue led another cavalry unit in pursuit, beginning to shoot arrows from a distance. Of course, their aim was not very good; most arrows missed. I followed them up the slope, and only saw one of Si Yue's arrows hit the leading scout's calf. It was likely intended to be shot that way.
Lóngmén City opened its gates wide, and the remnants of the defeated army streamed in. Arrows began to be shot from the city gate tower as a warning. Si Yue and her men did not pursue too deeply, continuing to loiter at the edge of the archers' range, attracting the enemy's attention.
I didn't have much time to waste here; I had to resolve this quickly. I dismounted, sat on the ground, lit a cigarette, and thought. Primarily, I put myself in the enemy's shoes. If I were the enemy general, knowing there was an ambush of only about a thousand people here, what method of attack would yield the greatest benefit?