Chapter 73: Hunting the Xiongnu

The assembled generals studied Qin Cheng for a long while, yet he remained silent, not uttering a single word, his demeanor showing a steadfastness akin to standing firm against the eight winds. Now that all the cavalry in the Shanggu camp fell under Qin Cheng’s command, his silence compelled those nominally subordinate to him to hold their tongues as well. Yet nothing is absolute; for example, Ma Dashan, known for his fiery temper and blunt manner, was already struggling to contain himself.

The infantry captains, seeing Qin Cheng unmoved, felt anxious but not as fiercely as the cavalry officers. Besides, against small groups of Xiongnu cavalry, the infantry could do little; at best, they could make some noise to intimidate, but they posed no real threat. So, these infantry captains glanced at one another and chose to remain silent.

Li Guang observed that all the generals in the tent were, consciously or unconsciously, looking to Qin Cheng, who sat with narrowed eyes, lost in thought. On the way here, Li Guang had asked whether Qin Cheng had a plan; Qin Cheng merely replied that he would act as circumstances dictated. Li Guang believed Qin Cheng had already thought things through, but he would not press him to speak. The mood in the tent grew heavy, so Li Guang cleared his throat and said, “If any of you have opinions, speak freely. The situation is urgent; don’t let hesitation hold you back.”

At Li Guang’s prompting, Ma Dashan, who could no longer restrain himself, stepped forward, clasped his fists, and declared loudly, “General, I must speak. The Xiongnu raiders have crossed our borders time and again. Since the siege of Mayi, their young Khan has not ceased his incursions, frequently sending cavalry south over these past years. Whenever this happens, we cavalry go out and strike them hard. Their current actions are nothing new. I don’t understand why everyone is silent, but I believe sending our cavalry to battle is the best solution! We should ride out of Qiansang, teach those Xiongnu fools a harsh lesson, and make them pay dearly for their folly!”

Li Guang listened without comment, then asked the generals, “What do you think of General Ma’s suggestion?”

“General,” Ji Zhu stepped forward and clasped his fists, “I believe this Xiongnu incursion cannot be treated as before, nor can we rush in lightly.”

“Why not treat it as before?” Ma Dashan protested. “Cavalry charges are our routine. Why call it rash? Are you afraid of those Xiongnu brats? If you are, stay in camp, I’ll lead my cavalry as vanguard and give them hell!”

Ji Zhu glanced at Ma Dashan, his voice cold, “When have I ever feared the Xiongnu? My unit always leads the charge against them. Ma Dashan, think before you speak—don’t just act on impulse.”

“What’s wrong with what I said? Isn’t it the truth? Do the Xiongnu now have three heads and six arms, that you’re so timid? Aren’t you always eager to seize the lead in battle? Why so cowardly now? If you won’t fight, then don’t, I’ll take my cavalry and face the enemy myself!” Ma Dashan nearly roared, spittle flying toward Ji Zhu, then faced Li Guang, fists clasped, “Please give the order, General, let me lead as vanguard. I will not disappoint you!”

“Your unit?” Li Guang did not respond immediately. Ji Zhu sneered, “I’d like to ask, what is your unit now? Ma Dashan, have you forgotten your position? You are now a heavy cavalry commander, not merely a cavalry captain!”

“You—”

“That’s enough! No more,” Li Guang interrupted as Ma Dashan prepared to argue further, rubbing his temples. “Every time it’s you two quarreling. When will it end? No more today!”

Once Ji Zhu and the indignant Ma Dashan returned to their places, Li Guang continued, “If any of you share Ma Dashan’s view, let me make it clear: today is not as before, our tactics must change! Ji Zhu is correct. Remember, you are now heavy and light cavalry officers, not simply cavalry captains. Accordingly, our strategy must change.”

“Moreover, the Xiongnu were recently defeated and must be furious. This incursion cannot be seen as a simple raid. The Zuo Xian King always acts boldly and never accepts losses. He surely has something planned. Do not underestimate the enemy, understand?”

“We understand!” the generals replied in unison.

“Good,” Li Guang nodded, then looked to Qin Cheng, “General Qin, as the Commandant of the Cavalry, what are your thoughts on deploying heavy and light cavalry against the Xiongnu?”

Seeing the moment had arrived, Qin Cheng clasped his fists and declared, “Three companies of heavy cavalry, four companies of light cavalry, all to be deployed to meet the Xiongnu!”

Li Guang was taken aback, instinctively asking, “Are you certain?”

“There are no idle words in the army,” Qin Cheng replied.

Li Guang pondered briefly, then asked, “Does anyone have objections?”

On the eve of battle, Li Guang’s consultation in the command tent carried a hint of democracy, Qin Cheng mused; most commanders would simply issue orders. He felt grateful once more to serve under Li Guang.

The cavalry generals exchanged glances, perhaps still somewhat doubtful, but all clasped their fists and declared, “We have no objections.”

“Very well. Assemble the entire force on the parade ground in two quarters of an hour. Cavalry will march out to meet the Xiongnu!” Li Guang rose and gave the order.

“Yes, sir!”

“Qin Cheng, stay,” Li Guang said.

Once the others had departed, Li Guang approached Qin Cheng and asked, “Have you thought this through?”

“There is no other way. Otherwise, we cannot defeat the Xiongnu.” Qin Cheng’s tone was resolute.

Li Guang nodded gravely, “I cannot think of a better plan myself. We must proceed as you suggest. But the situation is complex, the Xiongnu’s intentions unclear; be prepared.”

“I understand,” Qin Cheng replied solemnly.

Li Guang sighed lightly, “Our heavy and light cavalry have only trained for three months, not yet battle-hardened. The Xiongnu’s southern incursion is truly challenging. If we can win a great victory, Shanggu will be secure for years to come.”

Qin Cheng knew Li Guang’s thoughts and said, “Three months of training without field exercises—this campaign is a perfect trial and will reveal flaws for future improvement. Heavy cavalry has been trained in secret where necessary, so they should deliver unexpected results. As for light cavalry, although their training is open, some issues only come to light in actual combat.”

Qin Cheng’s tone brimmed with confidence, “This battle may be hard, but victory is essential.”

Leaving Li Guang’s command tent, Qin Cheng found Ji Zhu pacing outside. As Qin Cheng emerged, Ji Zhu hurried over, visibly anxious, “General Qin, the light cavalry’s fighting strength is not yet formed. If we deploy them all, I fear—”

“General Ji, I know your concerns,” Qin Cheng replied. “But against the Xiongnu, we must commit fully. If we send too few, we cannot handle their two or three thousand cavalry, let alone any unforeseen developments. Light cavalry may not be fully trained, but they have some strength. Used properly, they can make a significant impact. Remember, battles are not always fought head-on.”

Ji Zhu gave a bitter smile, “How could I not know? To speak frankly, I fear the Xiongnu might wipe out our cavalry, which would be disastrous.”

“Do you really think the Xiongnu would go to such lengths for a minor region like Shanggu?” Qin Cheng smiled.

“If it’s only about Shanggu, perhaps not. But if they wish to send a warning, it’s not impossible. Moreover, the Zuo Xian King never accepts defeat; after his last humiliation, he’ll surely want revenge,” Ji Zhu reasoned.

“You make good sense,” Qin Cheng’s smile did not fade. “But I already have a plan. Lean in, I have instructions for you.”

With that, Qin Cheng whispered at length into Ji Zhu’s ear. Ji Zhu’s expression grew serious; he clasped his fists and said, “I’ll see to it at once!”

“Keep it quiet,” Qin Cheng reminded him.

“Yes, sir!”

Qin Cheng returned to his tent, where Liu Mu and Qin Qingzhi had been waiting. Behind them, more than fifty cavalry stood ready. Qin Cheng approached and asked Qin Qingzhi, “Are you prepared?”

“The personal guard is assembled and awaiting your orders,” Qin Qingzhi replied, his voice strong. This was his first time following Qin Cheng into battle, and the desire to achieve glory made him eager.

“Good, let’s go to the parade ground,” Qin Cheng instructed.

“Yes, sir.”

“Wait, what about me?” Liu Mu asked.

Qin Cheng smiled at his nominal deputy, “For now, you’ll be part of my personal guard, and follow me.”

“Yes, sir!” Liu Mu responded crisply.

Of these fifty-odd cavalry, half were former members of the enforcement squad, half were elite picks from the light cavalry over the past three months. These men were not only formidable fighters but absolutely loyal to Qin Cheng.

After all, those closest to oneself must possess these qualities.

Ran Min was among them.

“Ran, how does it feel to ride out for the first time?” Qin Cheng asked in a casual tone.

Ran Min, fully armed, carried on his back a powerful bow much larger than a standard light cavalry short bow, even exceeding the long bows of light infantry. He had brought it from home, and Qin Cheng, knowing Ran Min’s valor and extraordinary archery, had made an exception. Hearing Qin Cheng’s question, Ran Min, mounted, clasped his fists and replied calmly, “It is somewhat like hunting in the mountains, yet also somewhat different.”

Qin Cheng laughed heartily, “Tell me, what is the same, and what is different?”

“The similarity is that both use bow and blade to hunt living creatures. The difference is that, compared to birds and beasts in the mountains, I much prefer hunting Xiongnu,” Ran Min replied.

“Excellent!” Qin Cheng exclaimed in admiration. “Calling our campaign against the Xiongnu a hunt—I quite agree. Our Han cavalry is unmatched in valor; this expedition is just like hunters going after prey in the mountains, and the Xiongnu are nothing but our quarry! Soldiers, tell me, do you enjoy this hunt?”

“We do!” the guards responded in unison.

“Good! Follow me, and we’ll hunt the Xiongnu together!” Qin Cheng encouraged them.

“Excellent!”