"What?!" Zhang Xin's expression changed instantly. "Say that again!"
"Shanggu's Nanlou has led five thousand cavalry across Yuyang and surrounded General Zhang!"
The moment the scout finished speaking, fear spread among those present.
They had only just driven off the Wuhuan—how had another five thousand appeared so suddenly?
Zhang Xin's heart sank.
"Wu Yan must have sent another envoy while the city was under attack…"
He clenched his fists, filled with regret.
"I accounted for Wu Yan. I accounted for their disunity. But I failed to leave scouts watching Shanggu…"
Had he known earlier, he would never have pursued so far after the night raid.
"General, what do we do now?" Zuo Bao asked urgently.
Zhang Xin steadied himself and turned to the scout. "Where did you come from—Yuyang or Zhang Niujiao?"
"Yuyang."
"And the city?"
"Commanders Hu Cai and Li Le are holding it. Nanlou saw the gates were sealed, so he bypassed the city and moved to attack Commander Zhang. Commander Li sent me to report."
Zhang Xin let out a quiet breath.
At least the city still stood.
"And Zhang Niujiao?"
"I kept my distance to avoid detection, but judging from their movements, he should be near the Wuhuan camp."
Zhang Xin thought briefly, then shouted, "Yang Yi!"
"Here!"
"Take fifty cavalrymen and reach Zhang Niujiao. Tell him: do not attack recklessly. Use the Wuhuan camp as a defensive position and hold until I arrive!"
"Yes, sir!"
Zhang Xin gripped his shoulder. "You must get through!"
"I will deliver the message!" Yang Yi swore, then rode off with fifty men.
Zhang Xin turned to the scout. "Return to Yuyang. Tell Hu Cai and Li Le: the gates must not open under any circumstances. Defend the city at all costs!"
"Yes, sir!"
—
Zhang Xin then approached Zhou Yuan. "My troops have fought through the night and are exhausted. May we rest in your city briefly?"
Zhou Yuan, already shaken by the news, nodded hastily. "Of course! Please, General—enter at once and protect the people!"
Zhang Xin led his troops inside. The gates were shut, scouts sent out, and food distributed.
This time, he did not refuse.
The soldiers ate and collapsed into sleep almost immediately, their snores filling the streets. Zhou Yuan organized the townspeople to bring blankets and cloth to keep them warm, while hay and salt were prepared for the horses.
As reports trickled in, Zhang Xin pieced together the battlefield in his mind.
Yuyang lay to the northwest. Hunu to the southeast, about thirty li apart.
Zhang Niujiao was positioned south of Yuyang, roughly twenty li from Zhang Xin.
Nanlou had divided his five thousand cavalry:
Three groups of about a thousand each encircled Yuyang, watching the city. Around 1,500 blocked the route north of Hunu, guarding against Zhang Xin. Nanlou himself led the main force to contain Zhang Niujiao.
Fortunately, Wuhuan cavalry lacked stirrups and proper saddles, limiting their ability to charge. They relied mainly on mounted archery, harassing from a distance.
Zhang Niujiao could hold—but not forever.
—
"What do I do…" Zhang Xin muttered, pacing.
There was no advantage.
Not in numbers. Not in mobility.
He had only four hundred cavalry and nine hundred infantry—exhausted troops—facing a fully mounted enemy.
Breaking through to Zhang Niujiao seemed impossible.
Let Zhang Niujiao break out himself?
No—that would be suicide. Infantry depended on formation. Once broken, they would be slaughtered.
Zhang Xin frowned deeply.
Beside him, Zuo Bao felt a surge of frustration. If only I were wiser… I could help the commander…
As the sun dipped westward, Zhang Xin suddenly stood.
"I can't hesitate anymore. We fight!"
Zhang Niujiao could not hold much longer.
If his force of 2,500 was destroyed, morale would collapse. And once Wu Yan regrouped with Nanlou, their combined strength would become unstoppable.
Zhang Xin clenched his jaw.
He wasn't a legendary strategist. No brilliant masterstroke came to him.
There was only one choice left.
Fight.
"Form up!" he ordered.
The soldiers scrambled into ranks.
Zhou Yuan rushed over in panic. "Commander! What are you doing?"
"I'm going out to fight the Wuhuan," Zhang Xin said calmly, mounting his horse. "Thank you for your hospitality. As repayment, we'll leave behind some of the captured horses—"
He suddenly stopped.
His gaze locked onto the horses.
"…Horses?"
A spark flashed in his eyes.
Zhou Yuan continued pleading, "General, please don't go! The enemy is overwhelming—defend the city!"
Zhang Xin ignored him.
"Horses… horses…"
His eyes grew brighter.
Jumping down, he grabbed a stone and began drawing rapidly on the ground.
"G-General?" Zhou Yuan asked cautiously.
Then—
Zhang Xin burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! I've got it!"
He stood up, eyes blazing with renewed confidence.
"I have a plan to defeat the Wuhuan!"