Chapter 1329 - 325: Filling the Pit (Part 2)

Chapter 1329: Chapter 325: Filling the Pit (Part 2)

"Weapons, ready!"

"Boom boom boom boom! Boom boom boom boom!"

The axemen stood behind the shield bearers, positioned between them and the archers. Their role was to advance and slay after the spearmen stopped the cavalry.

Actually, the axemen within the phalanx were often the most armored and valiant.

Spearmen, more often than not, were expendables, as they faced the cavalry charge head-on. Even if they managed to strike with their spears, they would likely be knocked aside by the galloping warhorses, if not killed or maimed.

Afterwards, the axemen would advance to finish off the enemy. If no second wave of spearmen stepped up to replenish ranks, the axemen became the first line of defense against the next wave.

Thus, in most armies, spearmen were primarily auxiliary troops, sometimes even pressed laborers, for the sole reason that they were cheap.

Of course, exceptions exist. It’s said that the Zu family army in southeastern Qian State assigned more functions to their spearmen.

But still,

when facing an opponent like the Yan, who relied primarily on cavalry, the fate of the frontline spearmen was often predetermined to be tragic.

Chi Mingyi’s rattan-armored soldiers formed ranks within the camp, as Yangshan Village served as a central hub, unlike the western side, which could rely on unbuilt tamped earth walls initially intended for city fortifications, or the eastern side, where several stockades and trenches had been set.

Because supplies, armaments, and even troops needed to move quickly in and out, the front gate was actually the weakest defense point.

It was something unavoidable; it was a military camp, not a fortress.

Moreover,

the Yan people did indeed arrive before dusk yesterday, and since then, their harassment hadn’t ceased.

Although Chi Mingyi understood it was likely a Yan strategy to exhaust them, he dared not risk it, in case it was real!

The battlefield is full of real and fake ruses, isn’t it?

So, the troops stationed at Yangshan Village basically hadn’t slept all night.

Fortunately, it was just one night, presenting problems but not insurmountable ones.

And the Yan launched an attack early in the morning, despite soldiers being at their most exhausted and sleepy. It was manageable; enduring such endless harassment for several days would indeed be unsustainable.

Actually, Liang Cheng wished he could do just that, as achieving victory with minimal cost was Snow Sea Pass’s business principle. However, the Yan Army lacked sufficient time.

"Men, let’s show those Yan bastards the strength of our Longxi warriors!"

"Boom!"

"Ha!"

"Boom!"

"Ha!"

The shouts accompanied by the beating of drums echoed from the troops.

Chi Mingyi was satisfied with his troops’ morale. He was thankful the Yan attacked early but puzzled. He had set a warning signal yesterday, and the general should have been informed, possibly waiting;

Yet, since dawn, having realized the Yan seemed genuinely gearing up for an attack, Yangshan Village raised another smoke signal and dispatched the Messenger Cavalry to the rear with the message.

And yet,

even now,

with the Yan already having breakfast and formed up, launching their charge,

why had allied forces not appeared?

Yangshan Village wasn’t left isolated; it was actually protected at the center.

"Boom boom boom!!!!!!"

The thunderous sound of hooves was astonishing, pulling Chi Mingyi’s focus back. Even though reinforcements had not arrived, there were far fewer Yan soldiers than anticipated.

When Jing Renli came a few days ago with a military order and verbal message from the general, Chi Mingyi was mentally prepared for a siege by tens of thousands or more of the Yan Army. Currently, the Yan numbered slightly over ten thousand, less pressure than expected.

Additionally,

Heh,

standing in the watchtower, Chi Mingyi gazed toward the muddy lowland in front of the camp.

He knew that once hooves sank into it, they easily sprained horse legs. Even the sharp Yan cavalry couldn’t remain formidable in this mire.

Subsequently,

Chi Mingyi checked the east and west camps, where Yan cavalry was also causing harassment.

Sigh,

Chi Mingyi let out a slight sigh in his heart,

his forces were still insufficient.

To be cautious, he decided not to risk sending his rattan-armored troops to attack while the Yan were bogged down; securing the camp was more important.

Yet thinking about it,

the Yan, who had lost the advantage of cavalry and trudged through the mire like old peasants, still had to push their attack,

would surely experience the might of the Chu infantry phalanx!

The beating of Chu Army’s drums quickened as the Yan Army approached.

The garrison inside the camp seemed to synchronize their breathing, gripping their spears, axes, or shields, waiting for the Yan charge.

It must be said, ever since the Yan annihilated the North Expedition Army of Qian State a century ago, the Great Yan cavalry had become an indelible shadow over the heads of the eastern states.

Chi Mingyi quietly clenched his teeth, raising his arm, ready to issue orders at any moment.

However,

just as the Chu Army was prepared,

suddenly,

the charging Yan Army began to change direction.

The frontline split into two columns, starting a flanking maneuver.

The Chu Army, mentally ready to counter the Yan charge, now felt akin to hitting air with full force.

Even Chi Mingyi on the watchtower staggered slightly upon witnessing this.