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They watched the Xiongnu regroup, retreating to the safety of the open plains, where they could avoid further engagement. It was clear the Xiongnu were stunned by the Han's preparedness, and Yu Jin, along with Li Dian, knew that this initial success was just the beginning. They needed to press their advantage but with strategic caution.
Back at the main tower of the Great Wall, Cao Cao's general gathered in an meeting to discuss their next course of action. Xiahou Dun, still brimming with the adrenaline of the tense battle, started the discussion.
He praised Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai's for sending the information from the message of the Onggirat, Qangli, and the other Xiongnu tribes that supported them, emphasizing that it had saved them from countless casualties.
Had the Xiongnu's surprise attack succeeded, they would suffer numerous casualties as they would be taken by surprise and unprepared to counter such an overwhelming assault, foiling the plan that they had prepared to neutralize the Xiongnu's mobility due to insufficient manpower.
"It's clear that this Tugeh Khagan won't abandon his campaign so easily," Xiahou Dun began, his tone both analytical and resolute. "The man has united countless tribes for this purpose. A mere failure and retreat won't deter him."
Ma Teng nodded in agreement, leaning over a map of the surrounding terrain. "We can't give them room to recover," he said, his finger tracing the mountainous paths to the west of the wall.
"Tugeh Khagan will regroup and likely try to exploit the weaknesses he perceives. We will need to be one step ahead, implement our prepared strategy and lead them into terrain that disadvantages their large numbers and mobility."
Han Sui spoke up, his voice steady and calm. "I agree. Our terrain knowledge gives us the upper hand. If we can lead the Xiongnu into the mountains, we can strip them of their mobility and strength. The mountains are treacherous, and their vast cavalry will be less effective in those narrow passes."
The group formulated a much more detailed plan, building upon Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai's addition onto the strategy they have prepared before.
Xiahou Dun, along with Yu Jin and Li Dian, would hold the Great Wall as the core defensive force as they had agreed upon before. Their goal was to maintain the appearance of a defensive stance, luring the Xiongnu into a false sense of security.
Meanwhile, Ma Teng and Han Sui would lead a feigned retreat into the mountainous areas, taking with them only the most agile and experienced troops, primarily cavalry and lightly armored units that could navigate the rugged terrain quickly.
This retreat was not only designed to draw the Xiongnu out of their open terrain advantage but also to create a division among their forces. By separating the tribes from one another in the mountains, they could weaken the cohesion of the Xiongnu coalition, forcing them to fight on their terms.
After finalizing their plan, each of Cao Cao generals returned to their respective units to oversee the preparation. They checked supplies, assessed morale, and made sure that their men were ready to execute the strategy by dawn.
Tension buzzed through the ranks of their soldiers, tempered by the confidence that they now had the upper hand over the Xiongnu. The soldiers knew that this next phase could decide the fate of the Northern Xiongnu Tribes and their push into their lord's domain.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Xiongnu Tribes encampment, the atmosphere was bleak. In Tugeh Khagan's main tent, the chieftains of the coalition assembled to report their losses.
Tugeh Khagan sat at the head of the gathering, his face grim as he listened to each chieftain recount their casualties. To his left and right, his advisors listened carefully, assessing the state of their forces.
Among the chieftains present were Batu and Zolgar, along with several other chieftains who had secretly betrayed the coalition to gain favor with Cao Cao's forces. They remained silent and respectful not as brash as before where they ignored or defy Tigeh Khagan's emissary order, disguising their true loyalties as they reported the supposed losses of their own men.
One by one, the chieftains described the brutal results of the failed surprise attack. The smaller tribes, which had limited resources and fewer men, had lost between a quarter to half of their forces. The larger tribes, despite their more substantial ranks, reported losing nearly a quarter of their warriors.
Those who had already aligned with the Han forces lied about their numbers, claiming losses even though their troops had largely stayed back. They knew that any suspicion now could cost them not only their newfound allies but also their lives.
Finally, Tugeh Khagan's advisor leaned over and whispered a grim summary of their losses, the coalition had lost approximately 40,000 warriors, reducing their once-mighty force of 200,000 to around 160,000 which was a significant and disheartening blow, especially considering this was only the first engagement.
Despite his stoic appearance, Tugeh Khagan felt the weight of this loss deeply. His campaign had started with such promise, uniting scattered tribes into a formidable force.
Now, they faced the painful reality that the Han were far more prepared and resilient than he had anticipated, something that caused him to be suspicious because the Han shouldn't have been ready for them but he set that aside.
Rising from his seat, Tugeh Khagan addressed the room. "Warriors of the steppes, this is but a minor setback. We misjudged the Han defenses, but we are not defeated. Our spirits and momentum still far surpass theirs. We will regroup, adapt, and strike again." His words were forceful, though his tone betrayed a hint of uncertainty that did not escape the notice of those gathered.
Batu, one of the traitorous chieftains, quickly spoke up, his voice steady and reassuring. "Khagan, your vision has united us in strength. We underestimated the Great Wall's defenses, but with a revised strategy, we will break through their lines. We must be patient and gather our strength before making our next move."
Zolgar added, "Yes, Khagan. This setback should teach us caution, but it does not mean the end. If we press the Han relentlessly, we will find their weakness. We must simply be wise in how we proceed."
Tugeh Khagan while surprised by the sudden changes of Batu and Zolgar, listened to their words and nodding slowly. He knew he needed to maintain morale and unity within the coalition, or risk losing his coalition altogether.
Even though his advisors warned of the risks of another direct assault, he knew that retreating without a victory would be disastrous. Still, a direct assault on the Great Wall seemed futile with his current numbers.
After hours of deliberation, Tugeh Khagan and his advisors agreed on a revised strategy. They would attempt a series of smaller skirmishes and ambushes in the surrounding countryside, hoping to wear down the Han forces before attempting another large-scale attack. Tugeh Khagan hoped that these attacks would weaken the Great Wall's defenses, creating an opportunity to strike more effectively.
As the coalition leaders left the tent, Tugeh Khagan summoned Batu and Zolgar, along with a few other chieftains that had the largest tribe. He believed these men would be critical in executing the new plan.
Even though Batu and Zolgar had defied his emissary numerous times, had showed some changes and after he called them, had slowly changed and become more accepting of his order and their show of support just now cause him to cast them on a different light.
Unbeknownst to him, this is all just an impromptu plan that Batu and Zolgar come up with, so that they can inflitrate Tugeh Khagan's inner circle by gaining his trust, as they were chieftains of big tribes which was essential to the coaltion to gain intel for Cao Cai's forces.
"Batu," Tugeh Khagan said, meeting his gaze. "I will rely on you and Zolgar to lead our men into the mountainous terrain, drawing out any Han scouts and weakening their lines. Your knowledge of these lands is vital. Make them pay for every inch."
Batu inclined his head respectfully. "We will bring you victory, Khagan. The Han will know the wrath of the steppe." His words were confident, but inwardly, he weighed his next move carefully, aware that any misstep could expose his true loyalties.
Zolgar to the side of Batu, also promised to bring victory for the coalition and repeated Batu words of bring the wrath of the steppe to the Han, supporting Batu's facade so they will be even more trusted by Tugeh Khagan.
Preparation at the Great Wall by Cao Cao's generals and the meeting at the Northern Xiongnu Tribe encampment continued until late night, before each side finished their matters and goes to take a rest.
The next day, at the Great Wall, Cao Cao's generals do some final checking as the light of dawn shield across the Great Wall. Ma Teng and Han Sui's cavalry units had gathered near the western pass gate, ready to begin their feigned retreat into the mountains.
They checked their weapons, ensuring every soldier was equipped for the harsh terrain. Spirits were high, but the generals reminded their men that they would need to remain disciplined and agile to navigate the mountains and lure the Xiongnu into their trap.
As the sun broke over the horizon, the Han forces executed the first phase of their plan. Ma Teng's and Han Sui's men started their gradual retreat, leaving behind deliberate tracks that would be easy for the Xiongnu scouts to follow. They moved quickly but methodically, creating the illusion of a hasty retreat. Not long after, the Xiongnu scouts discovered the trail and reported back to Tugeh Khagan.
Tugeh Khagan, seeing this as an opportunity to regain momentum, ordered his forces to pursue. "The Han are retreating," he declared to his chieftains. "They know they cannot withstand our might. Batu and Zolgar, show them the folly of underestimating us!"
The Xiongnu forces under Batu and Zolgar leadership poured into the western pass, following the trail laid out by Ma Teng's and Han Sui's units. However, as they ventured deeper into the mountains, the wide-open plains gave way to narrow paths and steep cliffs.
The Xiongnu, accustomed to open fields where they could use their numbers and cavalry to full effect, found themselves constrained, unable to maneuver as freely as before. At a predetermined location, Ma Teng and Han Sui split their forces, with some units hiding among the rocks and others creating diversions along different paths.
The Xiongnu, believing they were on the brink of victory, continued forward, unaware that they were stepping into a carefully laid ambush. As the Xiongnu approached the center of the mountain pass, Ma Teng signaled for his archers to unleash a hail of arrows from the cliffs above. Chaos erupted as the Xiongnu, caught off guard, attempted to form defensive lines. Tugeh Khagan roared commands, rallying his men, but the narrow paths and steep slopes left them vulnerable.
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0