Ma Dai coldly watched the struggling Wu Ke Zhuang. Hundreds of his followers died tragically in Jincheng, and the lives of Xiliang’s family members were unknown. All this was just the beginning.
No one sympathized with Wu Kezhuang, and the Di people were even more happy to see him do so. They let him scream and writhe, with his internal organs scattered all over the ground. He rolled more than ten steps before he died.
The screams frightened the other Qiang people so much that they rode their horses and fled. Many of them fell into the swamp again, and before they could retreat to the edge of the grassland, they were completely wiped out.
In just one hour, the grassland was completely silent. If it weren't for the mud on the grass, it seemed as if the Qiang people had never appeared, and not a single hair of their horses was left.
Ma Dai carried Wu Ke Zhuang's head back to the camp, and the horse also belonged to Ma Chao. Although it was not as good as the original Dayuan horse, it was enough to show its power.
There was a cheer in the Di camp. Ah Gui called over two leaders and asked about the battle. He slapped his forehead and said, "Stupid! Why didn't I think of this?"
As Xu Shu expected, this battle was very important for boosting the morale and rallying the military spirit of the Di soldiers. Everyone was convinced by Xu Shu and obeyed his orders.
In the evening, there was a jubilant atmosphere in the camp. Large chunks of beef and mutton were being cooked in the steaming copper and stone pots. Ten roasted whole lambs and two roasted whole cows were sizzling on the fire, and the aroma filled the air.
Ah Gui held up the mare's milk and said respectfully to Ma Chao and Xu Shu: "If you two hadn't come, we Di people would have been forever sinking and dying. From now on, we will become stronger and stronger!"
Ma Chao laughed and said, "Don't worry, my king. As long as you follow the instructions of Military Advisor Xu, it will be easy to deal with those stupid Qiang people. Even if Han Sui comes, he will be in trouble."
Xu Shu said to everyone: "Although the first group of Qiang people were completely wiped out, they must have communicated with each other. The front army has found us, and the rear army will arrive soon. We must not underestimate the enemy."
Ma Dai nodded and said, "Military Advisor, your words make sense. Han Sui came out in full force this time because he was worried that we would raise an army for revenge. All this has just begun!"
Xu Shu said: "Although Han Sui has a large number of troops, the area south of the Tao River is surrounded by mountains and the terrain is steep. I estimate that they will not have enough food and supplies, especially the Qiang people, who rely on looting and plundering. As long as we lure them into Baishi Mountain, even a hundred thousand troops will be in vain."
Ah Gui clasped his fists and said, "Everything has been arranged. Military Advisor, rest assured. If the Qiang people dare to chase into the mountains, I guarantee that they will never return."
Xu Shu nodded slightly and said solemnly: "Since the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, the imperial court has declined and the Central Plains has been in turmoil, not to mention the barbarians in the four regions. Kebi Neng in the north has become powerful and is raising troops to invade the border, and now the Qiang people are also ready to make a move. We are sending troops this time not only to save ourselves, but also to make contributions to the imperial court and establish the prestige of the Han Dynasty. If we win this battle, you will all be recorded in history."
Everybody was delighted, especially Agui and several Di leaders. They knew very well that as a small marginal tribe, it would be even harder for them to leave their names in history than to rebel and become emperors. They were lucky this time!
The next morning, scouts came to report that the enemy had indeed lost contact with the Qiang people. They immediately tracked along the route and found clues.
At this time, the scouts had already arrived nearby and were hovering in the distance. It was likely that the main army would arrive soon.
Xu Shu ordered the troops to go to the tent. The troops from various groups had already been assigned. Except for Ma Chao's subordinates, the Di generals were also full of fighting spirit.
Ah Gui couldn't wait any longer: "Military Advisor Xu, please give the order quickly. My sword is thirsty for fire."
From helping in the war to taking revenge to building achievements for oneself and leaving a name for posterity, these are two completely different mentalities. Some people even ask to fight with the attitude of being willing to die bravely and sacrifice their lives for the country.
Xu Shu said: "The enemy army has been chasing us for many days. Now that they have found our tracks, they will surely come out in full force. If we win this battle, we can lure Han Sui into the mountains."
"Military Advisor Xu, I want to see all the Qiang cavalry fall to the ground right now!"
Agui was so excited that he kept rubbing his hands. Those arrangements were extremely lethal to cavalry, but he was reluctant to use his own mount to try them out. He was already impatient to see the results.
Xu Shu smiled and said, "In that case, let's leave the first battle to the king!"
"Yes, sir!" Agui was overjoyed and quickly took the order.
Ma Chao said anxiously: "Military Advisor, Ma Chao has been waiting for a long time!"
Xu Shu smiled and said, "This time we intend to lure the enemy. We only want them to lose, not win. We just need to lure the pursuers into the valley."
Ma Chao laughed and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Your Majesty."
"I see!" Agui was immediately disappointed, but the words had already been spoken and he couldn't refuse.
Xu Shu said: "Although you are trying to lure the enemy, you must not be careless. If you retreat too early, the enemy will be suspicious. If you retreat too late, you will be in danger. Be careful."
Ah Gui clasped his fists and said, "Don't worry, Military Advisor. No matter who comes, I will definitely find a way to bring them to the mountain pass."
After Xu Shu gave his orders, he and Ma Chao went to the mountains to ambush and set up ambushes to wait for the enemy.
…
At this time, Yan Xing had led a large army to the back mountain of Xieling Grassland. Upon learning of Wukezhuang's tragic death, the Qiang people were all furious, but no one dared to rashly enter the grassland.
Yan Xing ordered his men to investigate the surroundings. Soon, a scout came galloping and reported that a Di camp was found ahead.
Yan Xing said in a deep voice: "The Di people overestimate their own capabilities. Ma Chao will not be able to escape this time."
Half a month ago, Yan Xing watched Ma Chao retreat and hurriedly crossed the river, but he could no longer find his whereabouts. He was scolded by Han Sui who arrived shortly after, and he still feels angry about it.
"Let me take revenge!" A Qiang leader drew out his scimitar and roared, "Make the Di people pay with blood!"
"Blood debt must be paid with blood—"
The Qiang soldiers behind him also shouted loudly. The entire army of three thousand people was wiped out. This was a devastating disaster for the Dangxiang tribe, which had a small population to begin with.
Yan Xing deliberately said: "Kesu, you know Ma Chao's ability. Now he has the help of the Di people. We must not underestimate the enemy. It is safer for us to move out together."
Kesu laughed wildly and said, "General, you worry too much. Although Ma Chao is brave, he is just as vulnerable as a lone wolf running into a flock of sheep. We, the Qiang people, will avenge ourselves!"
Yan Xing praised him, "You are worthy of being a Qiang warrior. Now that Wu Kezhuang has been framed by a treacherous plot, Kesu will be the only warrior among the Dangxiang people and the strongest contender for the next leader. If you can kill Ma Chao, not only the Dangxiang tribe, but even the Qiang King will respect you."
Kesu's face was flushed, and he patted his chest and shouted, "Kill Ma Chao, and avenge him!"
"Revenge!" The Qiang soldiers behind him raised their scimitars and followed Kesu away.
Cheng Yi frowned and said puzzledly: "Wuke Zhuang is no match for Ma Chao, so it might be dangerous for Kesu to go."
Yan Xing sneered and said, "The Tangut tribe has just surrendered to us. If we don't weaken their strength, they may betray us in the future."
Cheng Yi was shocked. Looking at the smile on Yan Xing's lips, he couldn't help but feel horrified. This father-in-law and son-in-law were indeed not simple people.
Kesu led his troops straight to the Di people's camp, and sure enough, he saw many tents in a valley. The Di people were carrying large and small bags and preparing to migrate.
"You want to leave after killing our people?" Kesu shouted and led his troops forward.
The Di people seemed not to have expected the pursuers to arrive so quickly. They were in a panic, dropping their packages, looking for their mounts, and hastily meeting the enemy.