“Remember those cavalrymen. Order the crossbowmen to leave none alive!” Jin Feng turned and issued the command.
“Yes, sir!” The messenger dashed off with the order.
The Iron Forest Army had heavy crossbows before, but they were few, only a handful, and their efficiency was low. Reloading and firing each bolt took too long, making their impact on the battlefield minimal. A few days ago, while the Dangxiang were busy gathering Han slaves from the city and had not attacked, Jin Feng, with time on his hands, modified the crossbows and mounted them on the hills, preparing to target enemy leaders in the next assault.
Zhao Lao thought it unwise to reveal this trump card for a few insignificant soldiers. However, to preserve Jin Feng’s authority, he only frowned and did not voice his doubts.
Under the Dangxiang’s escort, the Han slaves gradually approached the formation. The formation was set to receive captives, arranged in a T-shape, requiring the slaves to pass through a hundred-metre-long corridor lined with sharp bamboo stakes. Any with ill intent would be pierced like a honeycomb. The Han slaves, unaccustomed to such a sight, halted in fear.
“Don’t be afraid. We are all Han people. We won’t harm you. Move forward boldly, but stay clear of the shields,” Xu Xiao shouted.
Behind, the Dangxiang began whipping to drive them forward.
“Let’s go. At worst, it’s death. I’ve had enough of these days. Dying at the hands of our own is better than being tortured to death by those Dangxiang beasts,” an elderly Han slave, once respected in his village, said as he led the way into the corridor.
With his lead, others followed. The procession became smoother, but when a Dangxiang soldier at the rear brandished his curved blade as if to strike, the orderly line descended into chaos.
The worst fear is not despair but the shattering of hope after enduring endless despair, just when escape seems within reach. The Han slaves, treated worse than pigs and dogs by the Dangxiang, had long grown numb to death. But now, with the hope of returning to the Central Plains rekindled, their desire to survive surged. They rushed forward frantically, terrified of being cut down by the Dangxiang in their final steps toward home.
The scene turned chaotic.
The flag-bearer beside Jin Feng waved the signal flag. Crossbowmen on the opposite hill, ready in advance, pulled their triggers.
Whoosh! A heavy bolt, thick as an egg, shot out with a piercing whistle, covering hundreds of metres. The struck Dangxiang cavalryman was flung from his horse as if hit by a charging steed. The bolt continued, piercing the horse of the rider behind him before embedding itself in the cliff with a thud, dislodging a chunk of rock.
Such was the power of the heavy crossbow. But this was only the beginning.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! More bolts flew, each claiming at least one Dangxiang cavalryman. One, angled perfectly, killed four in succession before stopping. The remaining cavalry, no longer concerned with herding the slaves, spurred their horses to flee.
The crossbowmen on the hill adjusted their bases, pursuing relentlessly. Mr. Jin had ordered none to be spared, so all would die. Horses could not outrun bolts. Before the cavalry could escape the valley, all were struck dead.
The crossbowmen, still eager for more, marvelled at the improved crossbows. Previously, five men were needed to operate one, but now two sufficed. Reloading was faster, less strenuous, and allowed continuous firing with flexible aiming. Mr. Jin’s modifications were remarkable. It was a pity there were only a dozen or so cavalry escorting the slaves; they were all dead before the crossbowmen could fully enjoy themselves.
Li Jikui had driven the Han slaves into Clearwater Valley to fill the horse traps and test the Iron Forest Army’s response, hoping for a chance to break through amid the chaos. But the Iron Forest Army was well-prepared, showing no weaknesses, and the formation facing the Dangxiang cavalry remained poised to attack. Li Jikui sighed in resignation, withdrawing the cavalry meant to follow the slaves for a surprise assault. Forcing the Iron Forest Army to reveal their heavy crossbows was not a wasted trip.
“There must be spies among these Han slaves,” Zhao Lao warned. “Sir, Zhang Qiwei is cunning but not skilled in command. You should remind him.”
“Alright,” Jin Feng nodded, preparing to visit the prisoner camp.
Before he could descend the hill, Zhang Qiwei arrived with his men. “Congratulations, General Jin, on your great victory, saving thousands of suffering Great Kang people. Your merit is boundless!” Zhang Qiwei said, cupping his hands, his face showing genuine joy and poorly concealed envy.
For years, the Dangxiang had plundered countless people from the border to enslave. Great Kang occasionally won battles against them, but never had slaves been returned. Jin Feng’s rescue of so many slaves set a historic precedent, a feat likely to rival his earlier achievements in future evaluations.
“General Zhang, you’re too kind,” Jin Feng nodded. “These people have suffered greatly under the Dangxiang. I hope you will settle them well. However, there may be Dangxiang spies among them, so please handle them carefully.”
“Rest assured, General Jin. I will ensure thorough inspections,” Zhang Qiwei replied.
“Thank you, General Zhang,” Jin Feng said. “By the way, why aren’t you at the prisoner camp receiving the people? Is there something you need?”
“General Jin’s insight is sharp,” Zhang Qiwei said, offering a compliment. “There is indeed a small matter I need your help with.”
“Please, go on.”
“It’s like this: with the Dangxiang captives and these people, there are thousands to feed. Our Dening Army cannot bear the cost,” Zhang Qiwei explained. “I hope General Jin can help me draft a military report proving I took charge of the Iron Forest Army’s captives and returned people, so I can request provisions from the military depot.”
“My apologies, I’ve been too busy and overlooked this,” Jin Feng said, tapping his head. “Please wait a moment, General Zhang. I’ll prepare it now.”
“Thank you,” Zhang Qiwei said, cupping his hands.
Back in the tent, Zhao Lao followed and cautioned, “Sir, with this report, the Dening Army will claim credit for assisting the Iron Forest Army, taking advantage of your efforts.”
“The Iron Forest Army eats the meat; we must leave some broth for others. Hoarding all the gains isn’t wise,” Jin Feng said with a smile. “Besides, this advantage isn’t so easily taken.”
“How so?” Zhao Lao asked, curious.
Jin Feng smiled without answering, quickly drafted the report, and handed it to Zhang Qiwei.
