Chapter 120: The Siege of Yanmen (Part 6)

"So, you are saying that the foundation of your operational plan is a high-risk maneuver based on the assumption that the Khagan of the Eastern Turks will establish his main camp directly beneath the walls of Yanmen Commandery, correct?" Li Wenyuan asked, lifting his gaze after listening to the staff officer’s detailed exposition of the mission.

"Yes, General. Given our current intelligence and situation, this is the only feasible course of action," the staff officer replied, standing straight with his chest puffed out.

"And what makes you so certain the Khagan will station his camp right under the walls of Yanmen? You know that is the front line of the conflict."

"The Turks hold martial strength in high regard and despise those who hide in the shadows relying on schemes. They prefer to crush their enemies on the battlefield with overwhelming force. Furthermore, given the irreconcilable animosity between the Sui and the Turks, it is logical and expected for a Khagan to position himself as close to his objective as possible. His southward advance was clearly triggered by the Emperor’s northern inspection; he intends to intercept the Emperor at Yanmen, exact a brutal revenge on the Sui, and use the chaos of the internal strife to reunify the Turkic tribes while the Sui are distracted. He seeks to reclaim the status of his ancestors, forcing the Emperor of the Central Plains to pay him tribute.

"Therefore, since his target is the Sui Emperor, tradition dictates that he will pitch his tent beneath the walls of Yanmen. As the supreme commander, he may not personally lead the siege, but he will wait outside the city for his subordinates to break through, so that he may enter and humiliate the Sui Emperor in person. Our conclusion is that the Khagan must be there. Thus, based on intelligence from our scouts and our deduction of the Khagan’s position, we have formulated this 'Sharp Blade' operation."

"And the core requirement of this operation?"

"There is only one: the troops must attack like a tidal wave and never stop. We are facing tens of thousands of elite Turkic cavalry; if we halt or linger too long, we will be swarmed by the surrounding enemy forces. At that point, survival would be difficult, let alone relieving Yanmen. We must strike like a tidal wave, plunging this 'sharp blade' deep into the enemy's vitals to strike his vulnerable main camp. This will shatter their morale, and by coordinating with the defenders inside Yanmen, we can annihilate this Turkic force deep within our territory and lift the siege."

"What are the odds of success?"

"Being outnumbered and fighting cavalry with cavalry—on paper, we Central Plains soldiers have no advantage. However, considering our superior equipment, better weaponry, and the fact that we are catching them unprepared, we estimate a fifty-fifty chance."

"Fifty percent. That is quite high. It is a risky plan, but it suits my taste. Fortune favors the bold. Proceed with the plan."

Following Li Wenyuan’s order, the soldiers of the Fourth Legion, who had rested for only half a day, reformed their ranks to depart. Li Wenyuan left one division behind to guard the camp, the surplus horses, and the supplies. While they needed two or three horses per man for the rapid approach, a single mount would suffice once the battle began. Given that they were deep in the Central Plains and not in his familiar Western Regions, he could not risk leaving the mounts unguarded. With the supply line secured by a formidable force, Li Wenyuan and Wudelu led the rest of the Fourth Legion toward the Turkic lines at Yanmen.

The plan demanded that the army cut through the enemy like a hot knife through butter without a moment's hesitation. Consequently, Wudelu was placed in command of the vanguard, while Li Wenyuan remained in the center to coordinate the remaining units pressing forward behind him.

"You say a force of Han cavalry has broken through from the southwest of Yanmen?" Shibi Khagan asked the soldier before him.

"Yes, Khagan. The Han army is advancing with extreme speed. They were ten miles deep before our border guards could even react."

"Duobi, take your own troops and intercept them. Even if you cannot wipe them out completely, you must not allow them to appear near the walls of Yanmen. Our food supplies are running low, and taking the city is only a matter of time. But if this Han force reaches the walls, it will bolster the morale of the defenders, and we will find ourselves in a difficult position," Shibi Khagan said, summoning his younger brother to give him solemn instructions.

"Khagan, rest assured. Not only will they fail to reach the walls, but they will be utterly destroyed by our warriors before they even get close," Duobi replied with a smile, patting the saber at his waist.

Although Li Wenyuan had repeatedly defeated Turkic forces in his war against Li Gui, those troops belonged to the Western Turks. The Eastern and Western Turks were rivals who harbored deep mutual hatred. The Western Turks naturally did not broadcast the humiliation of being defeated by the Han, who were traditionally considered poor horsemen. Li Wenyuan, preferring to keep a low profile, had not publicized his victories either, claiming only to have defeated Li Gui's forces. Consequently, in the eyes of the Eastern Turks, Li Wenyuan’s men were still viewed as typical Central Plains soldiers, clumsy in cavalry combat—hence Duobi's arrogance.

"Only the most cautious hawk captures the most valuable prey," Shibi Khagan cautioned, sensing his brother's disdain.

"Do not worry, Khagan. Leave these Han soldiers to me." Disliking his brother’s words, which he felt lowered their own spirits, Duobi bowed, turned, and marched out of the tent to muster his troops and meet Li Wenyuan's force.