Chapter 66: Fierce Battle at Jiangxia

That’s right—for Jiangxia, or even all of Jingzhou, their greatest strength does not lie with their infantry or cavalry, but with their navy. Indeed, their naval forces are formidable. Yet, frustratingly, Liu Xie has no intention of engaging in naval warfare. He confines his battles to land. Thus, the best outcome now is to shift the battleground onto the water, to force a naval engagement. Only then might they have a slim chance at victory. The problem, however, is how to bring the fight to the water, since Liu Xie is unlikely to comply with their wishes.

“Let’s not concern ourselves with that for now—let’s see what their next move is,” someone suggested. The group had no better plan; all they could do was proceed step by step.

At this time, ten miles from Jiangxia, Liu Xie had already encamped with his army.

“My lord, when shall we attack?” a subordinate approached and asked in a low voice.

Liu Xie gently shook his head. “No rush. Let’s test their resolve first. If we attack now, they’ll defend with their lives, and our casualties will be heavy. Better to wait.”

What Liu Xie considered was the state of the enemy’s morale. He knew that if he attacked now, Huang Zu would fight desperately, and although Jiangxia might ultimately fall, the cost in lives would be great. Liu Xie did not wish for needless losses. So, he decided to wait.

Time passed slowly. A few days later, movement stirred within Jiangxia. The city gates opened, and out rode Huang Zu with a portion of his troops.

“Foul invaders, hear me!” came Huang Zu’s challenge from outside. “I am Huang Zu! Who among you dares face me in combat?”

“My lord, Huang Zu is outside, challenging us to battle,” a soldier hurried in to report.

Liu Xie nodded calmly. “I see. So, he wants to challenge one of our generals in single combat, hoping to raise his own troops’ morale. Perhaps, he has other schemes as well.”

Liu Xie could guess Huang Zu’s intentions. At such a moment, throwing down the gauntlet could, if successful, boost his army’s spirit—especially if he managed to slay one or two of Liu Xie’s officers. Liu Xie even suspected that Huang Zu might be plotting something more.

“My lord, shall we accept his challenge?” the subordinate asked again.

“Of course,” Liu Xie responded decisively, a glint in his eye. “Let’s go meet Huang Zu.”

With that, Liu Xie led his troops from the camp. It was not without frustration; among the entire force of one hundred thousand, he was the only commander present—there were no other notable generals under his command. Thus, when challenged, he had little choice but to answer himself. Still, he was not completely alone; twenty members of the Wolf Shadow Squad accompanied him.

Soon, on an open plain, the two armies formed up, facing each other.

“Which one of you is Liu Shiban? Step forth and show me your strength!” Huang Zu bellowed from atop his horse.

Liu Xie advanced with a gentle smile. “I am Liu Xie. General Huang, you must know in your heart that you cannot hold Jiangxia. You would do better to submit now.”

“Hmph! Enough talk! Defeat me first if you can!” Huang Zu replied curtly, surging forward with his broadsword raised.

“My lord, allow me to meet him in battle!” Before Liu Xie could act, a Wolf Shadow Squad member, armed with an iron spear, charged forward.

“I do not slay nameless soldiers! Send your commander to face me!” Huang Zu shouted, scarcely bothering to acknowledge the challenger. Still, the Wolf Shadow warrior wordlessly spurred his horse toward Huang Zu.

“Insolence! Very well, see what you make of my skills!” Huang Zu roared. The two met head-on. Huang Zu swung his blade down, but the Wolf Shadow warrior calmly parried with his spear. Steel clashed; Huang Zu’s broadsword was knocked aside. Before he could react, the spearpoint pressed against his throat.

Huang Zu froze, astonished. He had not expected such ferocity from his opponent—defeated in a single exchange.

“Show respect! Release General Huang at once,” Liu Xie ordered.

The Wolf Shadow warrior lowered his spear and reined in his horse, returning to Liu Xie’s side. Huang Zu was left speechless, stunned that Liu Xie would show him mercy.

“General Huang, I see you were not prepared. Please return to your city and make ready. I’ll await your next challenge at any time,” Liu Xie said softly, and then departed with his troops.

“My lord, why did you spare Huang Zu?” a subordinate asked curiously upon their return.

Liu Xie smiled faintly. “Huang Zu is an excellent general—it would be a shame to kill him.”

Indeed, Liu Xie felt a stir of compassion. What he lacked most were capable commanders, and Huang Zu fit the bill perfectly. He released him, hoping Huang Zu would eventually admit defeat of his own accord.

“Transmit my orders: Increase the patrols within the camp. Also, keep a close watch within three miles beyond the camp. All soldiers are to remain in armor and keep their horses saddled—ready to fight at any moment.”

Liu Xie’s tone was grave. He could already guess Huang Zu’s next move.

Time slipped by. Several nights later, a fierce clamor of battle erupted outside the camp, rousing Liu Xie from his sleep.

“My lord, it’s an emergency!” a soldier burst in. “Huang Zu is leading a raid on our camp!”

“Don’t panic. We were prepared for this. Tell the troops to hold the camp at all costs,” Liu Xie replied coolly. This was exactly as he’d anticipated. Huang Zu, outnumbered and unable to win a direct confrontation, had resorted to a night raid. But Liu Xie had made his preparations—hence his earlier orders to keep the soldiers armed and ready.

Stepping out of the command tent, Liu Xie saw fierce fighting at the camp’s gates. His men manned the defenses, while Huang Zu’s Jiangxia troops assaulted them with all their might.

“My lord, their assault is fierce, but we have the advantage in both preparation and numbers. At this rate, they won’t break through,” a subordinate reported.

“That’s as it should be. Their true plan lies elsewhere,” Liu Xie replied confidently.

“Elsewhere?” his subordinate asked, puzzled.

Liu Xie offered no further explanation. He strode to the front lines, drew his sword, and called out in a ringing voice, “All men, hear me! Charge out and pursue the enemy!”

At his command, tens of thousands of soldiers surged from the camp.

“Retreat! Fall back at once!” As the soldiers poured out, Huang Zu immediately ordered a retreat.

“My lord, they’re withdrawing!” a subordinate reported.

“I see it. Pursue them!” Liu Xie ordered.

So the great host thundered after the retreating enemy. Huang Zu led his men away at speed. The chase was intense, but after some time, Liu Xie found the enemy had vanished.

“My lord, they’re gone. Ahead lies only waterways,” a soldier reported.

“Waterways? Just as I suspected. Light the torches and keep away from the water’s edge. Slow the advance,” Liu Xie commanded.

The army moved cautiously, skirting the water’s edge. The water ahead grew eerily still. As for Huang Zu’s troops, they had disappeared.

Advancing warily along the shore, Liu Xie’s army suddenly saw a multitude of fiery arrows streak up from the surface of the water, speeding toward them.

“Shields—now!” Liu Xie’s order was quick, but the enemy’s arrows already rained down. The volley inflicted considerable casualties on Liu Xie’s side.

“Bring the arrow canopies! Shields to the water! Pikemen and archers, stand ready,” Liu Xie barked. His men sprang into action, forming a shield wall less than a meter from the water, with pikemen and powerful archers positioned behind. The arrow canopies Liu Xie had devised—dozens of them—were set up and ready.

Moments later, another vast wave of flaming arrows arched through the night, lighting the sky red.

“Arrow canopies—launch!” Liu Xie commanded.

With a swoosh, the canopies soared upward, intercepting the enemy’s arrows. The clash rang out; arrows were knocked from the sky, and the canopies continued their flight, finally crashing onto the enemy boats with a thunderous thud. Cries of pain echoed across the water.

“Fire arrows—release!” Liu Xie’s archers responded in kind. Bows twanged, sending tens of thousands of arrows into the air, illuminating the surface of the water. Only now did the soldiers realize that the canopies, after deflecting the enemy’s arrows, crashed onto the boats below, smashing several small craft to pieces. Arrows fell like rain, and Jiangxia’s men aboard the vessels were cut down in droves, their screams resounding across the water.