Chapter 54: Commanding in the Heat of Battle, Entrusted Entirely to You All

Under the night sky, the Liao camp was somewhat bustling. Though several li away, the clamor couldn't be heard clearly, but gazing at those mottled, flickering lights, one could sense the "busyness" within.

On the sturdy, towering watchtower, Liu Chengyou gazed calmly at the Liao camp backed against the mountain forest in the distance, his face utterly composed. Zhang Yanwei and Guo Rong, stationed in the central army, along with Xiang Xun, had all rushed over upon hearing the commotion.

"The Liao camp's activity has lasted nearly a quarter of an hour. Such a change is by no means ordinary." Ma Quanyi explained to Liu Chengyou from the side.

"Could it be that Li Wanchao and Gao Fang have stirred something up?" Liu Chengyou said.

At the question, Guo Rong spoke up: "There is no other explanation. General Li's Su Rui Battalion must be threatening the Liao army's rear at Zezhou. Perhaps Administrative Assistant Gao has also succeeded in persuading Zezhou to turn. If the rear is unstable, Geng Chongmei can hardly avoid being caught in a dilemma."

"Your Highness, it seems the Liao army intends to flee under cover of night. We can dispatch troops to attack!" Zhang Yanwei's fleshy face twitched, and he somewhat excitedly petitioned Liu Chengyou for orders.

Glancing at Zhang Yanwei, Liu Chengyou said softly, "What, does General Zhang also have a mind to take the field?"

It should be noted that Zhang Yanwei had previously held a conservative attitude toward battle. However, having apparently seen that the Liao army truly wasn't so difficult to deal with, he had very naturally changed his mind.

"Your Highness must not underestimate this general. My blade is not yet old—it still thirsts for blood!" Zhang Yanwei patted the saber at his waist, speaking with considerable grandeur.

Yet Liu Chengyou's expression showed hesitation—or rather, caution. Gripping the round wooden railing across his chest, he said in a low voice, "Night battle..."

Night battles were no easy matter, let alone assaulting a fortified camp. Although Liu Chengyou already had great confidence in the Longqi Army's combat ability and had drilled in night fighting, he would never take it for granted that a sortie would break the enemy—no matter how tempting the Liao army's displayed state was.

Seeing Liu Chengyou's hesitation, Zhang Yanwei couldn't help urging: "Your Highness, if you hesitate any longer and miss the opportunity, Geng Chongmei will get away!"

"He won't get away!" Liu Chengyou answered forcefully, his tone certain.

This time, it was Zhang Yanwei who showed aggression, eager to prove himself. Liu Chengyou swept a glance at Guo Rong, but saw him also frowning, saying nothing.

"If Your Highness harbors doubts, this general is willing to lead one army to probe the enemy first, as a test!" At this moment, Ma Quanyi cupped his hands and petitioned.

"Hear my command!" Drawing in a deep breath of the cold night air, Liu Chengyou finally spoke.

The several men around him immediately straightened their backs.

"Keep close watch on the Liao camp's movements!" Liu Chengyou pointed south and ordered: "Transmit the order for all battalions to assemble, don armor and take up arms, prepare for battle, and be ready to march out and attack at any moment!"

Having said this, Liu Chengyou turned and descended the watchtower, returning to his tent.

"That's it?" Only after Liu Chengyou had walked far away did Zhang Yanwei mutter quietly: "His Highness is usually resolute and decisive—how can he be so hesitant on the battlefield..."

The others nearby dared not respond to this remark, exchanging glances with each other. It was Xiang Xun who finally spoke: "Generals, let us first relay His Highness's orders."

"There's nothing else for it."

With the order issued, the various battalions of the Jin army stirred into motion. After a flurry of activity, they fell quiet again, without a sound. Like a resting tiger adjusting its attack posture, baring its fangs, aiming at its prey, ready to deliver a fatal strike at any moment.

Over at the Liao camp, the commotion continued. But within the camp under the darkness, squads of soldiers stood along the defensive wooden palisades, fully prepared for battle. Spear blades reflected cold light, arrowheads glittered like starlight—if the Longqi Army truly came charging over, they would certainly not find it easy.

"Commander, the Jin army seems to have no intention of attacking?" After waiting a long while, watching the Jin camp stir and then fall still again, the yabing officer broke the somewhat stifling atmosphere and said to Geng Chongmei.

Geng Chongmei stood with his hand on his sword. Hearing this, a helpless expression flickered across his silent face. He sighed: "Truly unexpected—that Liu Chengyou employs troops with such seasoned skill. As if he has seen through my plan entirely. Even so, he can still hold back!"

Liu Chengyou of course had not seen through Geng Chongmei's plan, nor had he imagined that Geng Chongmei, in such dire straits, would still try to set a trap against him. With victory already assured, Liu Chengyou merely harbored doubts about attacking at night. Yet in Geng Chongmei's eyes, it appeared as "seasoned skill in employing troops."

"Enough. Leave one battalion behind to cover the rear; the remaining battalions withdraw south in order!" Quickly setting aside his brief lament, Geng Chongmei issued the order sternly.

"Commander, I'll stay!" At this moment, the yabing officer volunteered.

Geng Chongmei looked at this clansman, and without hesitation, nodded. Turning his head, he swept a glance at the village of Tuanchi below, his expression turning exceptionally indifferent. He said coldly: "If the Hedong Jin army comes to attack, burn this village to delay the enemy!"

"Yes!"

At this moment, Geng Chongmei no longer mentioned matters of "military discipline." For the sake of a safe retreat, he displayed the ruthlessness hidden deep in his bones.

……

After roughly half an hour, just like the Jin camp, the Liao camp gradually quieted down, sinking into silence.

"What is His Highness still waiting for!"

Inside the central command tent, Liu Chengyou sat upright, eyes slightly closed, putting on a composed show of pretense. He showed no reaction even upon hearing of the Liao camp's change, until Li Chongju returned.

Because Li Chongju was a native of Shangdang and familiar with the routes, he had been dispatched south with Li Wanchao to guide the way and assist in battle—though the possibility of a bit of "army supervisor" intent could not be ruled out.

"How did it go?" Liu Chengyou stared directly at Li Chongju and asked.

Having returned over mountains and ridges, Li Chongju's face could hardly conceal his fatigue, yet he showed no sluggishness. Cupping his hands, he reported concisely and clearly: "General Li has already led the Su Rui Army to seize Gaoping, cutting off the enemy's retreat!"

That single sentence greatly lifted morale. The officers in the tent who had harbored doubts finally understood what Liu Chengyou had been waiting for.

Liu Chengyou also stood up, hands clasped behind his back, slowly pacing before the assembled men.

"Your Highness!" Zhang Yanwei couldn't hold back and spoke out, interrupting Liu Chengyou's pretense.

His expression gradually turning calm, Liu Chengyou turned and sat behind the commander's desk, issuing orders lightly: "Along this journey, I have relied on all of you for assistance, and thus I was able to take Luzhou and face the Liao army. Tonight, Geng Chongmei has become a defeated foe—we should pursue him relentlessly. Commanding in the heat of battle is not my strength; pursuing the fleeing enemy step by step northward—I entrust entirely to all of you!"

"Await Your Highness's orders!" The assembled men petitioned.

"Transmit the order: attack!" Liu Chengyou wasted no more words, issuing the brief command.

With the order given, the entire Longqi Army, led by the officers of each battalion, charged directly at the Liao camp. The First Army under Ma Quanyi's command once again took the vanguard, irresistibly sharp. By this time, Geng Chongmei had already led the main force of the Yan troops in retreat along the mountain path, and the Liao camp that had been bluffing was broken at the first assault.

Soon, as flames rose from Tuanchi Village, a pursuit battle that swept all before it unfolded.