Chapter 236: Fierce Tiger

The Second Division outside Wanfeng Gate had just formed its defense. Pang Yu and Wang Zenglu each raised a telescope, while Jiang Guoyong, Yang Xueshi, Guo Fengyou, and the others stood by their side.

Two main roads, one from the north and one from the west, converged outside Wanfeng Gate, forming several guanxiang streets — the very area the Garrison Battalion now occupied. Across the northern road and the open wilderness, several hundred horse soldiers were scattered. Some of them were advancing through the dried rice paddies toward Silver Ingot Bridge. Viewed from this level angle, they nearly filled the entire field of vision.

Wang Zenglu lowered his telescope and said, "I made inquiries at the city gate just now. The Company Commander from Pukou Battalion up on the city tower said there are only these two bridges heading west. There is another one nearby, Pearl Bridge, but it lies on the official road toward Liuhe."

"These horse soldiers aren't attacking southward. They mean to pin us down and reduce the defensive pressure on Silver Ingot Bridge." Pang Yu slowly swept his telescope. The horse soldiers were only active beyond two hundred paces; even when they occasionally drew closer, they never entered within a hundred paces.

The Garrison Battalion's landing operation had achieved surprise. Although the Roving Bandits were numerous, the bulk of their foot soldiers and servants were all around Jiangpu. Only the horse soldiers could rush over, supplemented by some foot soldiers and servants from nearby camps. Thus, the Garrison Battalion was not at a disadvantage in strength. By tomorrow, that would no longer be certain — the bandits would use this night to adjust, and there was also Gao Bazi on his way. So Pang Yu also wished to exploit today's favorable conditions to secure an even more advantageous position.

From the West Gate, two bridges led out: to the west was Silver Ingot Bridge, and to the northwest was Fierce Tiger Bridge. After crossing the river at Fierce Tiger Bridge, one reached the official road from Jiangpu to Liuhe. In Pang Yu's telescope, the mountains stretched endlessly to the north; the Liuhe official road lay in the narrow strip between the river and the mountains.

"Once we seize Fierce Tiger Bridge, we cut off the Roving Bandits' marching route toward Liuhe." Pang Yu glanced back. Currently, the Garrison Battalion controlled two key points: Wanfeng Gate and Silver Ingot Bridge. Some Marine Corps soldiers were at the east bridgehead of Silver Ingot Bridge, clearing out bandits house by house to prevent anyone from setting fires. The First Division was at the west end of Silver Ingot Bridge, where they had already established a bridgehead. The number of bandits facing them was growing — a rough estimate put them at several thousand, with nearly a thousand horse soldiers.

The Second Division and the Personal Guard Unit were outside Wanfeng Gate, using the guanxiang buildings as support. They did not fear those horse soldiers who had crossed the river.

Meanwhile, the bandits' horse soldiers controlled the open wilderness to the north, threatening the main road linking the two positions. This had split the Garrison Battalion into two disconnected sections, temporarily immobilizing them. But the horse soldiers also dared not attack the market streets — both sides had their reservations.

This was not Pang Yu's first time leading troops. He no longer feared the surging momentum of cavalry charges as he once had. As long as they fought from prepared positions, the bandits' horse soldiers held no advantage. What worried him was that if the bandit numbers continued to grow, a single division at Silver Ingot Bridge would be rather thin and might face an assault.

How he deployed his remaining forces would determine what results he could achieve. The safest approach was to stall until nightfall. The bandits had no camp on the east bank of the river and would most likely have to withdraw back to Jiangpu for warmth. Another possibility was that the bandits would set up camps at Fierce Tiger Bridge and Silver Ingot Bridge overnight and continue threatening the Garrison Battalion tomorrow. In that case, the Garrison Battalion would be confined to the area east of the Wangjiatao River, unable to relieve Jiangpu on the west bank.

Assembled outside Wanfeng Gate were the Second Division, the Personal Guard Infantry Division, and forty cavalrymen. The Personal Guard Infantry Division had not reached the nearly four hundred men of a standard infantry division; it currently had only two companies totaling two hundred thirty men. Their armor was mainly padded cotton armor, and some of them were personnel assigned to Garrison Command duties. Fewer than two hundred were fit for combat, and one banner team had gone missing.

The total strength at Wanfeng Gate was seven hundred men, pinned down by the horse soldiers who had crossed the river at Fierce Tiger Bridge. He had to drive those horse soldiers away. In winter, many rice paddies had no water, greatly expanding the cavalry's range of movement. The mere thought of using infantry to chase off cavalry gave Pang Yu a headache.

"If the Second Division goes to Silver Ingot Bridge, Zenglu, how much further do you think we could push the line?"

"I have not yet seen the west bridgehead. If there are no buildings along the way and we go out only to be surrounded by over ten thousand bandits, even if they cannot defeat us, I fear we would not dare go far."

Pang Yu nodded. "Then what if I have you seize Fierce Tiger Bridge?"

Wang Zenglu was not surprised; he had clearly considered this option as well. "As you know, sir, it is not that I fear horse soldiers. It is simply that their horse soldiers are scattered across the countryside, and infantry cannot catch them. If we spread out to drive them off, we risk them rallying and charging back and forth, turning it into a siege where they outnumber and overwhelm us. If we do not spread out, they will shoot arrows at us from all sides. I fear we would suffer casualties for nothing, without even touching the hem of their clothes."

Pang Yu glanced at the sky. The sun was now slanting westward. "On an ordinary day, there would indeed be no way to deal with these horse soldiers. But today, things are different here, because that Fierce Tiger Bridge is their only retreat."

At these words, Wang Zenglu's eyes flickered. After thinking for a moment, Pang Yu said, "I want you to take the Second Division's troops and, ignoring any harassment from horse soldiers along the way, strike straight for Fierce Tiger Bridge. Trap them between the city wall, the Wangjiatao River, and Wanfeng Gate. This area is only a few li across. Once night falls, they will be unable to gallop their horses. At that time, I will mobilize all units to close the net and attack."

Wang Zenglu said in astonishment, "If the entire Second Division goes to Fierce Tiger Bridge, only the Personal Guard Unit of a hundred or so men will remain here. What if those horse soldiers come to attack..."

Pang Yu shook his head firmly. "They will not come here, because Fierce Tiger Bridge is their only retreat. Worry over losses will make them see nothing but Fierce Tiger Bridge. This is human nature."

The look Wang Zenglu gave Pang Yu was a little unusual — it was the kind of admiration for authority and resolve. Pang Yu thoroughly enjoyed this feeling. Although he was the commander of the Garrison Battalion, ever since taking up command he had always fought battles with trepidation. The night raid outside Tongcheng had relied on a camp howl among the bandits, and the dead were mostly servants and family members. At North Gorge Pass, one win and one loss, both were muddled affairs. The soldiers and officers in the battalion might fear him, but that stemmed from the difference in administrative rank, not necessarily from genuine respect.

This was his first true offensive battle, and moreover, it was an offensive using infantry as the main force against cavalry — something few in the government armies of this late Ming era could accomplish.

"Sir, could you attach the cavalry to my command? Let them serve as the vanguard. That way, we can cut off the bulk of the horse soldiers on the east bank."

Pang Yu, on the contrary, hesitated. He had not expected Wang Zenglu to be even more aggressive than himself. Attacking Fierce Tiger Bridge and cutting off some of the bandits' horse soldiers would be ideal, but the primary goal was to exploit the threat to their only retreat route, forcing the bandits back to the west bank, thereby eliminating the threat from the north. This would allow the Garrison Battalion to maneuver freely and lay the groundwork for subsequent operations.

Now Wang Zenglu wanted to use the cavalry as the vanguard to trap all the bandits' horse soldiers on the east bank of the river. But the Garrison Battalion's cavalry was weak. When they set out from Zongyang, they had only mustered seventy cavalrymen, plus thirty relay horses from the Personal Guard Unit — a total of just one hundred horses. Factoring in losses from illness, falling into water, and other mishaps during the transport, fewer than ninety were actually usable.

At this moment, fifty cavalrymen were assembled outside Wanfeng Gate. Pang Yu's designated role for the cavalry was primarily battlefield reconnaissance, not a decisive strike force, so he emphasized mobility. Their armor was all padded cotton. If they were all committed to the attack, before the infantry arrived they would have to endure the combined assault of the bandits' horse soldiers at both ends of the bridge — at least seven or eight times their number. With their retreat cut off and driven by the will to survive, the bandits' attack would be ferocious. It was foreseeable that very few of Pang Yu's fifty cavalrymen would remain.

At this moment, the bandits were still in the panic following the surprise attack, their command and deployment in chaos. Although they had many men at Silver Ingot Bridge, they could not organize an effective offensive, yet for the moment they dared not withdraw. The horse soldiers in the river east area were clearly under orders to pin down the Garrison Battalion, but this also pinned down those horse soldiers, stripping them of their cavalry's mobility advantage.

In Pang Yu's view, the bandits actually did not need to surround Silver Ingot Bridge. If they lifted the siege and withdrew to Jiangpu, the Garrison Battalion would have to march over ten li to relieve the town. There were not as many rivers there, and the Garrison Battalion would instead be more easily surrounded.

Using the cavalry would certainly yield greater results, but the cost would be that Pang Yu would lose his battlefield reconnaissance capability. The benefit was that encircling and annihilating these several hundred horse soldiers would greatly boost morale and be immensely advantageous for subsequent operations.

By exploiting the chaos in the bandits' command, wiping out the core fighting strength of their several hundred horse soldiers in one stroke would surely shatter the bandits' morale — just like the devastating blow Pang Yu had suffered at Shucheng Mountain Pass. Even without losing many men, they would find it difficult to continue military operations.

But he had only been ashore for just over two hours, and he was already staking his only cavalry in one desperate throw. It felt rather like a gambler.

Pang Yu hesitated. He turned his head to look at Mr. Hou. Mr. Hou's mouth opened slightly, then he quickly lowered his head again. Pang Yu did not blame him — after all, Mr. Hou had previously only been a clerk and could offer no opinion on such a military operation.

Yang Xueshi's face was a bit flushed. After all, ahead of them were at least several hundred horse soldiers. His cavalry would have to break through their interception and hold out there until the infantry arrived. It went without saying that this was a formidable task.

Pang Yu fixed his eyes on Yang Xueshi. "Can the cavalry do it?"

"The cavalry... can, can do it." After saying this, Yang Xueshi nodded forcefully. "Can do it!"

Pang Yu then looked at Chen Rulie. The battle at Shucheng Mountain Pass had made him remember this young man. In comparison, Yang Xueshi was more conservative, while Chen Rulie better matched Pang Yu's expectations for cavalry.

Chen Rulie was a little nervous. He first glanced at Yang Xueshi before replying to Pang Yu, "The cavalry can only do it. The bandits are many but scattered. If we mass together and charge the official road, they certainly won't have time to block us. It's just that the infantry behind must truly be fast, otherwise we won't be able to hold the bridge."

Pang Yu laughed. "Now that's cavalry. That's the spirit I want."

He turned to Jiang Guoyong and said, "Those in the Garrison Inspector Dui who have horses will go along to support the fight and supervise military discipline."

Guo Fengyou suddenly spoke up. "I will take the Personal Guard Unit's relay horses and go with the cavalry. We can muster twenty riders. Equip them with heavy armor. It's less than three li — as long as we don't spare the horses, we can arrive together with the cavalry."

Pang Yu nodded with satisfaction. His several subordinates' will to win had been roused; they showed no fear of the bandits' overwhelming numbers. This was what he needed most.

Like most of his previous operations, there was no staff work, no detailed planning, and no time for careful consideration. Pang Yu decided to go with his gut once more. On the very first day of landing at Jiangpu, he would stake all the cavalry he had in one desperate throw.

"All units, assemble your troops immediately. It is roughly three li from here to Fierce Tiger Bridge. The bandits' horse soldiers are dispersed in formation, and most are in the fields. They cannot build up speed, and at first they will certainly think we are merely driving them off. They will hesitate and miss their chance to flee." Pang Yu jumped off his horse and used a sharp stone to draw on the ground. "The Personal Guard Unit will handle the pinning action. The cavalry and relay horses will set out first along the official road, reach Fierce Tiger Bridge at full speed, immediately dismount to fight, and seal off north-south passage. Right behind the cavalry will be the Second Division's infantry. Company Commander Wang, you must select the most courageous banner team as the vanguard, assign them more Rattan Shield Soldiers for cover, and have them ignore all attacks along the way and strike straight for Fierce Tiger Bridge. Once in position, they will bear the main defensive burden, resisting attacks from both sides, and get ahead of the bandits before they react. Everyone's objective is only Fierce Tiger Bridge. The sole hope of success lies in speed, speed, speed!"

Wang Zenglu and the others nodded simultaneously, still somewhat dazed. They did not immediately leave as they usually did, but exchanged glances before remembering to salute Pang Yu, then each returned to their units to make arrangements.

Turning his head to look westward, the two cannon carts were still halted at the west end. Because the horse soldiers threatened the official road, they could not yet be moved to Silver Ingot Bridge. Pang Yu said to the personal soldier beside him, "Once the attack begins, have the Marine Corps help push the cannon carts and get them in position at the west end of Silver Ingot Bridge as quickly as possible. I will need them."

The setting sun cast orange-golden light through the east-west street outside Wanfeng Gate, stretching countless soldiers' shadows across the stone slabs.

Before Chen Rulie's eyes, several wavering shadows fell upon the stone slabs. The western street, bathed in sunlight, was lined with several infantry banner teams. These infantrymen would follow the cavalry onto the official road and arrive at Fierce Tiger Bridge in the second wave to support the cavalry ahead and bear the main task of holding the position.

The northern street was also lined with two rows of infantry, but they were merely there to screen the bandits' line of sight.

The cavalry lay concealed in the street south of the intersection. The buildings blocked the bandits' view; they had no idea that so many cavalry had already assembled. Yang Xueshi had designated Chen Rulie to lead the charge at the head. They had stripped over a dozen suits of chain mail from the Second Division's Rattan Shield Soldiers, and Chen Rulie was allotted one. Time was pressing; he threw it on haphazardly and lined up in readiness.

The infantry Banner Commander before him saluted. Chen Rulie hurriedly returned it, then uneasily urged, "Banner Commander Wu, I beg you, do not delay on the road. The lives of all these cavalry brothers depend on you."

Banner Commander Wu thumped his chest in assurance, then returned to the infantry formation and gave instructions to his several team leaders.

Chen Rulie watched for a moment. That Banner Commander Wu was known to nearly the entire army. The incident where he had reported a colleague had spread throughout the camp. No one spoke of it openly, but inwardly most held some contempt. It was only said that he was fairly reliable in battle. But this was not enough to dispel Chen Rulie's worry, so he had made a point of repeatedly urging him, and in an exceedingly polite tone — he had, after all, already been promoted to the Centurion level and normally had no need to be so courteous to an infantry Banner Commander.

Returning to his horse, his mount was a bit restless. Chen Rulie patted its neck to soothe it.

The surrounding horses snorted from time to time. Chen Rulie glanced back. Every rider waiting behind him was pale-faced. These seventy-odd cavalrymen would have to break through several hundred Roving Bandit horse soldiers, be the first to reach Fierce Tiger Bridge, cut off this sole remaining passage, and then coordinate with the infantry to encircle and annihilate the horse soldiers.

His own fingers were trembling slightly. Gripping the reins tighter helped a little. A clamor arose from the side. He glanced over; looking past the roof eaves, he could see the majestic Wanfeng Gate. The angle from the city tower offered a clear view, and the guards up there, watching the scene below and sensing that a major operation was afoot, were pointing this way in considerable numbers.

At the front, Yang Xueshi, who was directing them, made a pushing gesture with both hands.

Chen Rulie drew a deep breath, turned his head, and shouted, "Cavalry, prepare!"

A rustling sound came from behind as all the riders adjusted their padded skirt armor, placed their left feet in the stirrups, and grasped their saddles with one hand, ready to mount.

A moment later, Yang Xueshi raised both hands.

Chen Rulie spun around and roared, "Cavalry, mount up!"

The fifty cavalrymen mounted their horses in unison; the relay horses behind them, lacking such step-by-step drill, were somewhat more chaotic.

After finishing his inspection, Chen Rulie mounted up himself and steadied his feet in the stirrups. His gaze passed over the human wall in front, and through the gaps between the long spears he could see the Red Turban Roving Bandits on the official road outside.

The horses on the street sensed the imminent battle. Now and then a horse would take small steps in place, producing scattered, disorderly hoofbeats.

The Puzikou garrison soldiers watching from the City Tower also stopped pointing and commenting, quietly waiting for the great drama to follow. Every rider held their breath, awaiting the final command.

A bleak, desolate horn blast sounded. The cavalry's triangular Red Banner rose, and the Spear Soldiers forming the human wall at the front swiftly parted to either side, revealing the open street.

Under the gaze of all, Chen Rulie gritted his teeth, raised his right hand high, and swung it down with fierce force.

"Cavalry, charge!"