bookrandom Chapter 2107: There was definitely a trap!
Chapter 2107: There was definitely a trap!
The generals chattered excitedly, and a wave of fervor for battle spread across the earthen slope.
Everyone looked at Han Xing, awaiting his decision.
In their eyes, this was like another piece of fat meat delivered right to their mouths; if they didn't take a bite, they would be letting down the soldiers who had fought so hard.
Ma Chao stared intently at Han Xing, still harboring a grudge after failing to capture Li Jing earlier.
Seeing the enemy retreat, they naturally did not want to miss this opportunity to make up for their regrets and achieve new merits.
He believed that the Chu cavalry's mobility and high morale at this time were enough to cause great chaos and casualties to the retreating Tang army.
All eyes were on Han Xing.
Should we follow the wishes of our generals and order a pursuit to expand our gains? Or is there another reason?
This veteran's decision will directly affect the final outcome of this battle.
Han Xing gazed at the Tang army's slowly moving ranks in the distance, raising clouds of dust and grass. His brows furrowed slightly, and his fingers unconsciously twirled his beard as he fell into deep thought.
The cold wind blew his battle robe, making it flutter and adding to the somber atmosphere.
On the earthen slope, the cold wind howled, but it could not dispel the burning fighting spirit in the hearts of the generals, which had been ignited by the enemy's retreat.
Ma Chao's request to lead the troops was like a spark thrown into dry tinder, instantly igniting the desire for merit among all the generals.
Pairs of eyes, filled with anticipation and even a hint of impatience, were all focused on the calm and composed face of head coach Han Xing.
Urging voices and calls for battle were heard incessantly, as if they were about to transform into galloping iron cavalry and rush out of the camp at any moment.
However, faced with the generals' passionate requests for battle and the seemingly "easy" opportunity before him, Han Xing did not respond immediately.
He remained standing in place, his gaze fixed intently on the Tang army's slowly retreating column, which was rising in the distance.
His fingers unconsciously twirled the graying beard under his chin, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were weighing something extremely important.
Time seemed to stretch out during the anxious wait.
Just as Ma Chao was about to speak again, Han Xing finally uttered a single word slowly and clearly. His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a boulder being thrown into a boiling pot of oil:
"Wait."
The moment that word was uttered, the atmosphere on the earthen slope instantly froze!
"wait?!"
Ma Chao almost thought he had misheard. He took a step forward abruptly, his face filled with astonishment and confusion.
"General Han! The enemy's retreat is a golden opportunity to pursue them and expand our gains!"
"If we don't pursue them now, are we just going to watch Li Jing and Guo Ziyi lead their defeated troops back to their stronghold, lick their wounds, and wait for another day?"
"This humble general truly does not understand, what exactly is the general waiting for?"
"Yes, General Han!"
Another impatient general couldn't hold back any longer and chimed in, "Speed is of the essence in war! At this moment, the Tang army has no will to fight and is only thinking about escaping. Their formation will surely be in disarray, which is exactly the time for our iron cavalry to unleash their might!"
"If we wait until they regain their footing and withdraw from the dangerous area, it will be difficult to pursue them!"
"This opportunity will not come again, General!"
"Please reconsider, General!"
Other generals also spoke up, their words filled with concern about the loss of opportunities and doubt about Han Xing's decision.
Despite the generals' doubts and urging, Han Xing remained calm, but his gaze became even sharper, as if trying to pierce through the dust and smoke several miles away to see the truth behind the Tang army's retreat.
He slowly raised his hand, pointing in the direction of the Tang army's retreat, his voice steady and carrying a calm understanding of the world:
"I'm waiting for some news."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the generals: "A message that will allow us to see clearly whether the army that is retreating in panic is truly defeated and in complete disarray, or whether it is hiding a deadly trap and luring the enemy deep into our territory!"
"News?" Ma Chao was taken aback, and the other generals looked at each other, puzzled.
Han Xing continued, his tone tinged with caution: "Who is Li Jing? And who is Guo Ziyi? Both of them are renowned generals of our time, seasoned veterans, and shrewd strategists."
"Even if they have just suffered a defeat, how could they possibly retreat like ordinary routed soldiers, without any order or precautions?"
“Look at the rising and falling dust, listen to the faint sounds of commands, is there even a trace of real panic and despair?”
Upon hearing this, the generals couldn't help but look intently and listen attentively once again.
Upon closer inspection, although the smoke and dust were thick, it did not seem to be completely chaotic.
The sounds coming from afar were not all wailing; instead, there were faint sounds of drums and commands mixed in, making it seem quite orderly.
"Li Jing's military tactics always emphasized maintaining composure even in defeat. Guo Ziyi was even more renowned for his prudence."
Han Xing's voice was exceptionally clear in the cold wind: "They're setting up camp so brazenly right under our noses, aren't they afraid we'll take the opportunity to ambush them?"
"Unless, they are already prepared, or even hoping we will chase after them!"
This analysis, like ice water, calmed down some of the hot-headed generals, but many still felt that Han Xing was too cautious and missed a good opportunity.
Just as the debate was about to begin—
"Report——!"
A more urgent shout, even one filled with lingering fear, came from afar and grew closer!
The scout captain who had been sent to conduct a detailed reconnaissance was seen tumbling and crawling back up the earthen slope, his face pale and his breathing uneven, clearly having run all the way back.
"General! General! Something terrible has happened!"
The scout captain knelt on one knee, his voice trembling: "I led my men to conduct a close reconnaissance and discovered...discovered a large number of cavalry ambushing the Tang army's retreating force in the hilly woodlands about five miles away!"
"The banners are half-furled, the men and horses are gagged and ready to go! Judging by their size, there are at least five thousand cavalry on each side!"
"If I hadn't risked getting close to the edge of the forest, I would have been almost undetected! They... they clearly set a trap, just waiting for us to chase after them!"
"What? An ambush?"
"Several thousand cavalry on each flank?"
"That was close! That was close!"
The scout's report was like a thunderclap in the ears of the generals!
The generals who had just been clamoring for pursuit suddenly changed their expressions, and many of them even broke out in a cold sweat!
A chill of fear shot from the soles of my feet straight to the top of my head!
If they had actually listened to the impulsive advice and chased after them recklessly, plunging headlong into the seemingly chaotic retreating ranks of the Tang army...
So, when the Chu cavalry went deep into the pursuit and stretched out their formation, the fresh Tang cavalry, who were lying in ambush in the woodlands on both flanks, suddenly attacked from both sides and flanked the enemy.
The consequences are simply unimaginable!
You might not only fail to get any good food, but you could also break a tooth or even get bitten in return, resulting in a huge loss!
"As expected... it was definitely a trap!"
The general who had been urging them the most earlier was now speaking in a slightly weak voice, his face full of relief.
"Li Jing and Guo Ziyi are truly as cunning as foxes!"