Chapter 84: Strategic Discussion to Defeat the Enemy – Wisdom and Courage United

Rongxiong-led fresh troops were like a red-hot dagger cutting into butter.

In an instant, they thoroughly scattered the disordered formation of the Khitan cavalry.

The originally vigorous Hu cavalry were caught in a pincer attack from inside and outside.

Especially under that precise and lethal long-range strike, casualties mounted heavily in moments, and morale collapsed.

Chen Wen and Rongxiong met amid the chaotic troops, both of them splattered with enemy blood.

But their eyes were equally bright and sharp.

At this moment, no words were needed.

A single glance conveyed their shared resolve to face the enemy.

"Chen Wen, though the rebel cavalry is in disarray, they still have strength; do not let them catch their breath!"

"Rongxiong" shouted loudly, his strong bow unceasing.

Another Khitan leader attempting to organize resistance fell from his horse at the bowstring's twang.

His archery was not only precise, but also carried the ruthlessness and decisiveness of a seasoned battlefield veteran.

"What Rongxiong said is absolutely correct!"

Chen Wen waved his blade to deflect an incoming arrow, his gaze swiftly sweeping the entire battlefield.

The Khitan had about fifteen or sixteen riders left, having lost their initial arrogance.

They were retreating in terror toward the town center, that relatively densely built-up area.

Obviously intending to rely on the ruins for a last-ditch stand, or to seek a chance to break through.

Once cavalry loses the space and courage to charge, its threat greatly diminishes.

But if we let them hold a defensive position, mopping them up will also increase casualties.

Especially since the enemy still has bows and arrows.

"We must not let them retreat inside!"

Chen Wen quickly said to Rongxiong

"These Hu barbarians excel at horse archery; if we let them occupy high ground or buildings, using bows and arrows to delay, it will be disadvantageous to us!"

"We must seize the moment while they are still shaken and annihilate them in one go!"

Rongxiong nodded, he naturally also saw the key point:

"Exactly so! But how to fight? A strong assault might cause casualties."

Although his troops are elite, each is a precious force, and he is unwilling to lose them lightly.

Chen Wen's mind raced.

His gaze fell upon the relatively intact stone-walled compounds and the intricate alleys at the town center.

A thought flashed through his mind, and he pointed to that area, saying:

"Rongxiong, look at those alleys—narrow and winding, warhorses cannot gallop there; it is the perfect place to negate the cavalry's advantage."

"Why don't we... lure the enemy deep in, then catch them in a jar!"

"Oh? Explain in detail!"

"Rongxiong's eyes lit up; he had long been commanding troops."

He immediately understood Chen Wen's intention, but the concrete execution required an ingenious design.

Chen Wen sped up his speech, speaking clearly:

"Please, Rongxiong, lead the main force to quickly seize the exits and high points on the east and west sides of the town."

"Using bows and crossbows to block off, creating an encircling posture, cutting off their thought of escape, and pressuring them to contract toward the center."

"I will lead my men, though outnumbered, fighting while retreating, to lure them deep into those alleys."

"Once they enter the alleys, the cavalry becomes a sitting target!"

"Then, Rongxiong can send elite infantry to infiltrate from both sides of the houses; we will attack front and rear, surely achieving success in one stroke!"

This plan is bold and ingenious, fully exploiting terrain and psychology.

Using Chen Wen's smaller force to lure the enemy appears genuine and credible;

while Rongxiong's main force is responsible for tightening the bag and delivering the final lethal blow, with clear division of labor and controllable risk.

"Rongxiong" hardly hesitated, clapping his hands in praise:

"Excellent stratagem! Chen Wen truly is a wise commander! Let's proceed with this plan!"

He held Chen Wen's battlefield decisiveness and tactical conception in even higher regard.

This person is not only personally valiant, his troops are elite.

What's rarer is this talent for perceiving the situation and adapting accordingly!

He immediately turned and gave an order to a nearby guard commander:

"Wangzhihui, take five men, seize the western slope, and cover the town's western gate with bows and crossbows!"

"Lixiaowei, take four men, control that tiled house at the eastern end, and block the eastern route!"

"The rest, follow me forward to create momentum and force them to retreat toward the center!"

"Received the order!"

The subordinates responded in unison, swift as the wind, and immediately dispersed to act.

Chen Wen also shouted to Zhao Dayan and the others:

"Brothers, follow me in a feigned retreat, pretending we cannot hold, to lure them into the alleys! Watch out for yourselves!"

"Understood!"

Zhao Dayan and the others tacitly understood, immediately changing formation.

Shifting from the previous fierce assault to an orderly withdrawal, they retreated while firing crossbow bolts, deliberately showing weakness.

Khitan remnant troops, seeing the enemy reinforcements' great momentum, already felt fear.

And then they saw Chen Wen and these few, unable to hold, begin to retreat?

The survival instinct made them rush, without thinking, toward the central streets and alleys that seemed suitable for hiding.

Meanwhile, the main force led by Rongxiong shouted and applied pressure from a not-too-far, not-too-close distance.

Bow and crossbow units periodically picked off and shot the Khitan soldiers lagging behind.

Furthermore, they were driven like a flock of sheep into the predetermined slaughter ground.

The plan proceeded unusually smoothly.

The remaining ten or so Khitan cavalry, panicked and indiscriminate, charged headlong into that narrow, cluttered alley with many turns.

In the cramped space, the warhorses collided with each other, neighing incessantly; the cavalry's advantage vanished completely, becoming a burden.

"Now is the moment!"

Rongxiong, seeing the moment had arrived, gave a single command.

The elite infantry, long hidden in the ruins and houses on both sides, burst out like ghosts, blocking the alley entrance.

And Chen Wen also led his men in a sudden about‑face, halting the retreat, blades forward!

The trap is set — they're like turtles in a jar!

What follows will be an uncontested alley battle of annihilation.

Chen Wen and Rongxiong exchanged a glance; everything was understood without words.

This sudden battle not only tested each other's martial courage, but also displayed their tacit tactical coordination.

A camaraderie based on mutual recognition and trust quickly heated up on this bloody, fiery battlefield.