Chapter 127

Why is the Eight Array Formation and its derivative, the Yuhua Formation, considered the epitome of anti-cavalry tactics?

Cavalry is broadly divided into two types: Light Cavalry and Heavy Cavalry.

Light Cavalry, often seen as mounted archers, primarily employs hit-and-run tactics, known as Swarm Tactics.

They charge in, shoot arrows, retreat, and repeat. Skilled ones even incorporate the Parthian Shot, firing arrows while retreating.

However, this requires two conditions: the arrows must inflict sufficient damage, and the cavalry must have a longer effective range than the enemy.

If either is lacking, the Swarm Tactics lose their value.

The Yuhua Formation countered this by using defensive carts to block arrows and actively employing crossbows, which generally have a longer range than bows.

The terror of Heavy Cavalry lies in their charge. However, the first line of defense with carts and the second line of attack with crossbowmen behind them make it difficult for Heavy Cavalry to utilize their strengths.

But that’s not all. The Yuhua Formation also has offensive capabilities—cavalry. While designed to counter cavalry, half of the formation is filled with cavalry.

Though it’s called a defensive-then-offensive anti-cavalry tactic, counterattacks using cavalry were always possible.

This high proportion of cavalry stems from the Tang Dynasty’s origins with the nomadic Xianbei tribe.

Not fully nomadic, but a Sinicized Xianbei tribe that conquered the Central Plains.

The Yuhua Formation was the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty tactics, combining the infantry tactics of settled peoples with the cavalry tactics of nomads. The undefeated army led by its creator, Li Jing, established the Yuhua Formation as a battlefield paradigm.

Even during the Tang-Silla War, where the Tang Dynasty, the originator of the Yuhua Formation, was defeated, Silla also used the Yuhua Formation to repel the Tang army. Considering Silla’s superior crossbow-making skills, the excellence of the Yuhua Formation is undeniable.

But now, the Yuhua Formation was wavering.

“Zhao Chang… is truly formidable. Shouldn’t we send reinforcements?” Dobbapilgo asked with concern.

Zhao Chang, instead of charging straight into the central formation, attacked the rear formations.

‘If he had charged into the Yuhua Formation, he would have been surrounded immediately. By attacking the rear formations, he aims to draw out central support before attacking.’

If my Yuhua Formation truly matched Li Jing’s original, I would have mocked Zhao Chang’s decision as suicidal.

But Zhao Chang’s attack was proving effective because the current Yuhua Formation was a degraded version of Li Jing’s original.

‘The unique triangular formation and the roles of the Left and Right Rear Guards, which should adjust the formation with the central army, were not properly established.’

Originally, more troops were placed in the Left and Right Rear Guards to support the Left and Right Three Armies.

But such training hadn’t been completed, so the current external six armies were all composed of the same troops and types.

There were only defensive carts, no offensive sword chariots.

In the end, this Yuhua Formation was only half-complete. But even half-complete, it was still the Yuhua Formation.

The formation’s structure of dividing the army into seven parts was intact.

And within each army, soldiers were organized into three lines.

The first line had the Vanguard Troop for close combat.

The second line had the Support Troop behind the carts, using bows and crossbows for support fire.

The third line had the Reserve Cavalry to relieve the Vanguard Troop when tired.

The Rotating Fire Mechanism for Crossbows, to prevent a halt in fire during reloading, was also smooth.

Though offensive power was reduced, defensively, it nearly matched the original Yuhua Formation.

Yet, we were being pushed back because Zhao Chang and the Wei Army were as strong as our forces, and Bi Yi and Guo Yi lacked experience compared to others.

‘Within the framework of the Yuhua Formation, the difference shouldn’t be significant. Zhao Chang’s insight is remarkable.’

But does Zhao Chang know?

I deliberately placed the less experienced Bi Yi and Guo Yi in the rear.

To lure Zhao Chang into attacking the rear, I intentionally positioned Bi Yi and Guo Yi there.

Showing a weakness to make the enemy move as I want—a tactic I learned from my father.

Zhao Chang concentrated his forces on the rear while leaving troops on other fronts to prevent easy reinforcements.

And the army farthest from Zhao Chang, on our front, was my target.

“They’re here.”

While watching Zhao Chang, I kept an eye on the front.

How long had I waited, believing they would return? Dust rose in the distance. They had returned, not betraying my expectations.

“Dobbapilgo! Tang Jie! The time has come! Go meet your kin!”

The central circular formation embodies the principle of rotation.

A form that allows quick support to any direction. The charge of the nomadic cavalry, warmed up by circling within the formation, was immediate.

At my command, Dobbapilgo’s Xianbei and Tang Jie’s Qiang tribes charged forward.

Appearing from behind the enemy, Bang Deok and Takbal Yeokmi struck the connections between the Wei Army’s rear and left and right armies.

As Bang Deok and Takbal Yeokmi charged, Tang Jie and Dobbapilgo responded from within.

Perhaps because they were of the same tribes, their coordination was seamless.

‘Moreover, I placed Wang Ping and Kang Yu, familiar with the nomads, in the vanguard. Their aggressiveness suits counterattacks.’

Using the Yuhua Formation’s defensive strength to tie down the enemy’s main force with fewer troops, and using cavalry to gradually cut off the enemy’s separated forces.

Eliminating the front, then using returning cavalry to cut off connections and destroy the enemy’s left or right army.

If the enemy retreats, we pursue with cavalry. In this terrain of shallow hills, ambushes are impossible, and the enemy lacks the troops for it.

If the retreating enemy turns to counterattack, we can safely return to the Yuhua Formation, making pursuit risk-free.

‘We’ve won this battle.’

The moment the Yuhua Formation held until Bang Deok and Takbal Yeokmi returned, victory was ours.

“Just a little more effort! Victory is within reach!”

Seeing the encirclement of Yang Shi’s army complete, I clenched my fist, sensing victory.

It’s over. A clean victory, everything going as planned.

But even capturing Yang Shi’s troops wouldn’t reverse the numerical superiority of the Wei Army. With similar numbers, we could fight a couple more times.

Whether they retreat quickly or hold out longer will determine if there’s another battle. If losses increase and numerical superiority reverses, another battle is unlikely.

Either way, this battle will end in our victory.

“Bai Qian, let’s send reinforcements…”

“General! They’re coming!!”

As I called Ma Dai to send reinforcements to Bi Yi and Guo Yi, Ma Dai urgently called out.

Coming? What?

Turning around leisurely, I widened my eyes.

Zhao Chang was charging.

§

Despite suffering heavy losses and relentless attacks, Zhao Chang’s heart burned as the formation seemed on the verge of breaking.

Seeing dust clouds rising in the distance, Zhao Chang narrowed his eyes. They weren’t coming this way.

If sent to the left or right armies, signals would have come immediately, but their absence suggested they were sent to Yang Shi’s rear.

Zhao Chang had also allocated more troops to the rear, harder to support from the main army, anticipating piecemeal destruction.

And Yang Shi, the Inspector of Bing Province, was no pushover.

Zhao Chang had even advised Yang Shi to focus on defense rather than offense. He could hold out even if surrounded.

But soon, his deputy Xiahou Yuan, pale-faced, rushed to Zhao Chang.

“Disaster, General! Flags have risen from the left and right armies! The rear is in danger!”

“What? Impossible! What is Yang Shi doing?”

The answer to Zhao Chang’s question came not from Xiahou Yuan but from Han soldiers.

They kindly raised their voices, perhaps fearing Zhao Chang wouldn’t hear.

[Left General Bang Deok’s arrow struck enemy general Yang Shi’s head!]

Bang Deok’s archery, which had once hit Guan Yu’s forehead in history, shone here as well.

“General!”

Xiahou Yuan anxiously called, unable to utter the word ‘retreat.’

But retreat was not in Zhao Chang’s mind. He had yet to prove his worth. Another failure, and Cao Pi would not hesitate to cut him off.

Though Cao Pi wouldn’t kill him due to Cao Cao’s will, stripping him of all authority and exiling him to some remote village would be easy.

“No, this is an opportunity.”

Opportunity lies within crisis.

Zhao Chang wasn’t panicked. He was calmer than ever.

“With their central army weakened, the pressure from the center is no longer strong.”

Entering between the two formations, if they couldn’t break through immediately, the central circular formation and the two formations could close in, trapping them. Zhao Chang had used Zhang Lan as a fallback.

But with the circular formation weakened, pressing the formations and breaking the circle before they could tighten the formation was no longer impossible.

“I’ll turn your move into a blunder. Junlin! Announce to the entire army! Full assault! They’re off guard now, charge all at once!”

The battle isn’t over yet.

No, the real battle is just beginning.