Chapter 66
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Recapture Battle
-----------------------------------------------------------------
186, spring.
The interminable northern winter had finally retreated.
Even in Zhangye lands, a hint of green began to stir, and as the frozen earth thawed, mud puddles formed here and there.
Yet the soldiers paid no mind to the conditions, pouring sweat into preparations for the campaign.
Watching them, I recalled the past winter. It felt like they'd gripped hammers and shovels more often than swords.
'Road construction, of all things... Who would've thought I'd end up doing this.'
It never would have started without Chae Yeom, my wife's, advice.
At first, everyone was baffled to see the commandery administrator himself covered in dirt and working alongside them, but the results spoke for themselves.
Now, the people's gazes toward me had changed. It wasn't just fear anymore... There was a hint of trust.
Chae Yeom had won over the women with weaving and other crafts, so Zhangye was incomparably more stable than when I'd first arrived.
"My lord! All preparations for departure are complete!"
At Zhang Liao's report, I stepped out onto the training grounds.
By my order, the newly recruited 3,000 infantry and 1,000 from the Hu tribes stood in formation. I'd already sent back the 5,000 Yang Ong had initially loaned me.
I couldn't rely on borrowed troops forever.
At the forefront of the Hu contingent was Wang Hon, the one who'd first stirred trouble at the reservoir.
There were only 4,000 Han infantry, but neighing horses echoed from all sides, with cavalry scattered everywhere.
"Haha! Administrator! Our Qiang warriors are ready to ride at any moment!"
The Tianshan tribe chief Takya approached with a vigor belying his age, grinning. Beside him stood Myagon, eyes still fierce as ever.
Centered on Qianya's Tianshan tribe, the Qiang had sent a full 3,000 cavalry. Not just in numbers—their horsemanship was exceptional, making them a formidable force.
"Our Di tribe has also answered the call and assembled our forces, Administrator!"
The Di chief Mokta led another 3,000 cavalry, no less imposing than the Qiang.
Adding the smaller tribes' contributions, my forces had swelled to 12,000.
—12,000.
No small number.
The sight of Han infantry mingled with cavalry from various foreign tribes was spectacular in itself, but it also posed headaches.
Half of them probably couldn't even understand my orders properly.
"My lord, we're ready."
At Jeon Pung's words, I nodded and ascended the prepared platform.
12,000 pairs of eyes fixed on me at once. I scanned their faces one by one. Eyes filled with anticipation, wariness, curiosity.
I had to unite them all.
"The interpreters are in position?"
"Yes, my lord!"
Several voices answered from below.
I'd planted Han speakers amid the foreign units in advance. Clearing my throat, I bellowed.
"All of you, listen up!"
As my words ended, the interpreters echoed them, and the noisy grounds fell silent in an instant.
"We're gathered here today for one reason alone! To march north! Originally, Jiuquan and Dunhuang were Han territory! But when the realm fell into chaos, northern unrest erupted, costing us Jiuquan and Dunhuang—a bitter loss indeed."
A murmur rippled through the ranks. The Han nodded as if it were obvious, but the foreigners' expressions remained subtle.
"Thus, the Liang Province Governor, in the court's stead, has resolved to reclaim Jiuquan and Dunhuang. This is a just war! Yet I know some may not share this cause! But hear me! Jiuquan and Dunhuang are merely the beginning! They are the gateway to the Western Regions!"
My voice grew louder.
"Do you know what opening that path means? Silk and treasures flowing freely, trade overflowing! Instead of scraping by in this barren land, stealing and starving from one another, a path to prosperity for all will open!"
The foreigners' eyes began to shift.
"I promise you this! All gains from that path will be shared with every one of you here! Regardless of tribe or origin, you'll receive fair reward for your sweat! I, Lu Bu, swear it on my name!"
As my speech ended, the interpreters' cries unleashed a massive roar from all sides.
"Waaaaah!!"
"Those who seek wealth and honor over hunger and plunder, follow me! Let's go!"
"Uoooooh!!!"
Morale pierced the heavens. I wasted no more time.
"Entire army! March on Wuwei!"
With my final command, the 12,000-strong host bellowed and surged forward.
Upon arriving at Wuwei, Yang Ong summoned me straight to the governor's main hall.
Hanyang Commandery Administrator Jia Xun and Jinxing Commandery Administrator Fu Shuo were already seated. The other administrators hadn't come personally but had sent troops.
"Now that everyone's here, let's get to the point."
Yang Ong, from the seat of honor, spoke first.
"The total forces for this reclamation operation: 50,000! My 10,000 elites, the 12,000 from Administrator Lu's Zhangye army, 8,000 from Administrator Jia's Hanyang troops, 7,000 from Administrator Fu's Jinxing forces, and 13,000 from the other administrators! A grand army indeed!"
Yang Ong emphasized the 50,000, but how many true elites were among them was anyone's guess. Excluding Jia Xun, none of the Liang Province administrators had real military prowess.
Moreover, Jinxing's Fu Shuo was newly appointed this year, scarcely having time to train his men properly.
"Our goal isn't merely reclaiming Jiuquan and Dunhuang. We must sweep away the Hu tribes and foreigners entrenched there, blocking the Silk Road, and fully secure the path! We need the swiftest, surest way to open it. Share your thoughts."
As Yang Ong finished, Jinxing Administrator Fu Shuo spoke first.
"Governor, Jiuquan and Dunhuang have long escaped Han rule. The Hu have fortified stockades and citadels, while foreigners scatter across steppes and mountains. Rash advances risk defeat in detail. Best to leverage our numbers, seize counties one by one, secure supply lines, and reclaim gradually."
Jia Xun shook his head and stepped forward at Fu Shuo's caution.
"Caution is vital, Administrator Fu, but dawdling is the worst policy. The enemy will only fortify further. With our 50,000, we must display might to compel surrender. Advance first, show the court's dignity, urge submission. Accept Hu who heed the righteous cause—they are Han kin after all—and strike hard only those who resist. Appease and embrace the foreigners to our side."
Jia Xun clearly outshone Fu Shuo in military acumen, as this debate proved. Yet his plan had a flaw.
I rose and advanced.
"Both administrators speak wisely. However, given Jiuquan and Dunhuang's state, relying on our army's size could backfire."
Yang Ong and the two turned to me.
"Jiuquan and Dunhuang have long been free of Han rule, with Hu and foreigners entrenched everywhere. Without a single leader uniting them, crushing one with our host yields no real blow."
That was the real headache. If there were a central figure like Northern Palace Baiyu, beheading him would crumble their power.
But without a head, smashing them one by one would consume vast time and resources.
"Especially the Hu—they hunker behind stockades and walls. Sieging each would bleed our forces dry. But rooted to the land as they are, if we establish clear superiority and restore Han rule, they'll bow eventually. We can afford time to accept their surrender."
The key difference between Hu and foreigners. The Hu built power around 'land.'
Thus, faced with an overwhelming force they couldn't resist, threats and persuasion could absorb them bloodlessly, given time.
Foreigners were another story.
"Foreigners roam rootless, preying through plunder. Long free of rule, they're hard to subjugate. Appeal to justice or reason, and they'll ignore you."
Jia Xun nodded at my explanation.
"Then what does Administrator Lu propose? Leave the foreigners be?"
"If profit won't sway them... We must bring disadvantage."
Grasping my meaning, admiration escaped Jia Xun's lips.
My stratagem was accepted on the spot.
A plundering operation targeted the foreigners to inflict that disadvantage.
My 12,000 led as vanguard, swiftly piercing northwest Jiuquan's steppe. I split the cavalry into bands for simultaneous strikes on foreign settlements.
"Target their villages and herds! Seize and burn everything in sight!"
"Uwaaaaaah!!"
"※§＆※§＆※§＆!!"
At my command, cavalry scattered across the steppe roaring. The Qiang and Di especially charged eagerly, yanking reins in glee.
Plunder was as natural to them as breathing.
Soon, we hit the first target village. We cut down resistors on sight and torched the yurts.
Takya and Myagon's Qiang efficiently rounded up sheep and horses. The first raid ended smoothly, almost anticlimactically.
"Haha! Brother! Stretching my legs feels great! Where to next?"
Wei Sok, splattered in blood, asked excitedly. Pointing east, past the burning village.
"East next. No rest—ride!"
We swept Jiuquan like locusts. After looting more villages and catching breath, Jeon Pung and Jia Xu approached.
"My lord, initial objectives met. But foreigners are too dispersed. Hitting every village will take ages."
"Jia Xu's right, my lord. Mere plundering drives survivors deeper into hiding or back to the steppes with herds, abandoning this land temporarily. They'll return later to stir trouble."
I tilted my head at their words.
"So you have a better way?"
"Plunder, but deliberately let some live. Release women, elders, or disarmed warriors."
"Release them? Leave them alive, and they'll pick up swords again. What's the point?"
Jeon Pung explained.
"My lord, if the released tremble in fear and urge their kin to surrender, it saves us effort."
As Jeon Pung finished, Jia Xu added.
"Even if not, no harm. These foreigners are fierce and untamed. Survivors' tales will spark more rage than fear. If the scattered unite in fury and charge us, isn't that what we want?"
"...Enrage the dispersed to lure them into one spot. Ha! Clever. Very well, we'll try it."
I issued new orders to my officers at once.
"Kill resistors, but spare women, elders. Scare and release some who drop weapons!"
The raids changed.
We still burned villages and seized herds, but now intentionally spared some.
"No, brother! Why let them go? Kill 'em all to end threats!"
"Wei Sok, you know nothing but brute force. Just follow orders."
Wei Sok grumbled but obeyed. Days later, scouts returned with reports.
"My lord, as expected! Released foes spread tales of horror; foreign tribes are in uproar!"
"Some cower in fear, but most rage for revenge! Chiefs are linking up, forming a coalition army assembling to strike us!"
I smiled in satisfaction.
"Ha! They're saving me work. Perfect—they're gathering in one place!"
I ordered all units to halt plundering and converge.
At last, we faced the enemy on the plain.
Far off, beyond the horizon, black dust clouds rose endlessly, filling the plain.
Over 30,000 at least—twice our number.
"Th-those numbers!"
"Administrator! Too many foes!"
Unease stirred behind me, especially among the newly joined Qiang and Di. But I didn't flinch atop my mount.
Their banners were a jumble, formations sloppy. Numerous, yes, but mere wolves united by blind rage.
"Entire army! Form assault lines! I lead the vanguard!"
Zhang Liao, Go Sun, and Ma Teng's elite cavalry moved crisply at my order, but the foreigners hesitated.
"Charge head-on into that horde?"
"Madness!"
As foreigners quaked and murmured, old Qiang chief Takya bellowed.
"Fear not! Forgot? Northern Palace Baiyu's 50,000 crumbled before Administrator Lu's 10,000! Mere double our number a problem? Trust and follow Lu!"
Myagon and Mokta chimed in eagerly.
"Yes! Perfect chance to witness the famed Administrator Lu's valor with our own eyes!"
"Di warriors aren't cowards! Follow Lu, reap enemy heads! Their herds are ours!"
The chiefs' cries steadied the foreigners. Seeing it, I delayed no longer.
"Pierce their center! Follow me!"
With my shout, Red Hare exploded forward.
"Uwaaaaaah!"
—Hiiiinng!
The 12,000 followed roaring.
As we charged headlong, panicked foes hastily pushed archers forward, loosing arrows.
"Fire! Suppress before they close!"
Thousands of arrows blotted the sky, but to me, they were mere gnats.
"Heads down, no fear! Shields up, charge through! Don't slow!"
I deflected the arrow storm with my spear, never slackening speed.
Whether cowed by my momentum or rushed, most shafts whistled wide or thunked into earth.
"Can't even aim, and they dare?!"
Bursting the volley, I crashed into their vanguard.
—Kwaaaang!
Sweeping my spear wide at the lead foreign cavalry, blood sprayed everywhere.
—Chwaaaak!
"Kaaaak!"
"Don't retreat! The enemy is just—Urk!"
Foes surged shouting, but my spear never stopped.
Pierced those ahead, slashed those flanking.
Zhang Liao and Go Sun carved left and right like blades, widening the breach; Ma Teng drove the wedge deeper behind.
"What are you doing?! Kill the red-horse rider up front!!"
"Bastard! Your head's mine!"
"—Guk!"
A chief-like figure shrieked, but his voice turned to a scream impaled on my spear.
The vanguard crumpled weakly, and the entire line wavered.
Their furious charge evaporated; terror-filled eyes turned to frantic flight.
"Pursue! Annihilate the scattering foes!"
"Waaaaah! They're fleeing!"
"Kill them all!!!"
"Their horses are mine! Capture 'em!"
At my cry, trailing Qiang and Di cavalry poured in roaring.
With lines broken and chiefs slain, enemies were mere prey.
—Dududududung!
The plain filled with hoofbeats of fleeing foes and our pursuit.
How far did we ride?
No enemies barred my path. Gripping my bloodied spear anew, I panted atop Red Hare.
Corpses and discarded arms littered around.
Then Qiang and Di warriors gathered slowly, staring awestruck at what they'd witnessed.
"...Lu Bu!"
One murmured, and like contagion, my name spread.
"Lu Bu, Lu Bu!"
"Lu Bu! Lu Bu! Lu Bu!"
Soon, the foreigners chanted my name in endless cheers.