Chapter Twenty-Eight: Drawing the Snake Out of Its Hole

To the west of Mafang Village lay a low-lying area where Zhang Cheng and his men were carefully watching every movement within the village.

“Chen Baihu, what’s your assessment?” Zhang Cheng asked casually.

Chen Zheng’s eyes fixed on the village entrance as he quietly replied, “As General Cheng said, there can be at most one squad of armored Tartar soldiers here. Previously, on the main road, my unit slew ten armored Tartars. Now there are no more than forty armored Tartars left; the rest are auxiliary troops and assorted servants, Bao Yi Aha. Though they have some combat ability, they pose little threat to us.”

Zhang Cheng nodded in agreement, then inquired, “What course of action do you suggest?”

After a moment’s thought, Chen Zheng spoke frankly, “I believe we should send two cavalry squads to dismount and stealthily enter the shallow ditches flanking the road ahead. They can lie in ambush there with bows, crossbows, or three-eyed firearms. Then, send one armored cavalry unit forward to scout and lure the Tartars out of the village to pursue, while two more armored units remain in support behind. Once the enemy is drawn out, we strike and annihilate them in one fell swoop, then charge into the village with the cavalry.”

Hu Dake, standing nearby, added, “The stable side seems to have no armored Tartars. We could dispatch a squad of soldiers along the shallow ditch toward the stables. When the battle at the village entrance begins, they should strike amidst the chaos to eliminate the enemy there, seize the Tartars’ horses and mules.”

Zhang Cheng felt reassured. Their strategies were sound and only required slight supplementation.

He surveyed the surroundings carefully before issuing orders to the group. “The forward outpost—Armored Unit C—will advance first, silently entering the shallow ditch ahead to lie in ambush. The rear outpost—Armored Unit B—will follow. Armored Unit C will send one squad forward to lure the enemy while the second and third squads stay behind to support. When the Tartars strike, we will envelop them from front and rear for a total rout.”

Turning to Chen Zheng and Hu Dake, he instructed, “Each of you will lead your cavalry platoons. Once the village entrance is secured, proceed directly into the village from the east gate. Operate in squads, cooperating with each other—forward outpost toward the north of the village, rear outpost toward the south.”

“Orders understood,” they replied.

“Left flank outposts, Armored Units B and C, first infiltrate the shallow ditch near the stables to the southeast. When the battle at the village entrance commences, rush out at once to slay the Bao Yi near the stables, seize the horses and mules, and protect the captured villagers,” Zhang Cheng continued.

With the plan finalized, the men quietly slipped back to the main road.

On the return journey, Zhang Cheng cautioned, “Do not engage recklessly. Once inside the village, strike with full force while the enemy is in panic, especially focus on killing and capturing their horses to leave them with none to ride.”

Both men agreed.

He then told Chen Zhong, “Chen Zhong and your guards will stay close to me and enter the village last.”

Each squad and unit began preparations according to the plan—some inspecting their bows and crossbows, others checking their horses and arms. Though everyone was busy, their movements were quiet, careful not to alert the Qing troops nearby.

...

At Mafang Village’s western entrance, heavy wooden beams were laid across the road to block any outsiders from entering.

Near the village entrance stood the ruins of a collapsed house, where six Qing infantry soldiers gathered around a fire, two Bao Yi Aha serving them. Not far outside, five auxiliary troops patrolled with seven Bao Yi, keeping watch.

Unseen by them, figures crawled low amid the waving grass, like grim reapers inching closer—silent shadows approaching the slavers who had plundered gold and silver, abducted villagers, and dishonored women.

From afar, one Bao Yi Aha spotted several figures moving steadily along the road and called out excitedly, “Could it be Lord De Ke has returned?”

Several Bao Yi hurried over, gathering in the middle of the road to peer into the distance.

At that moment, an auxiliary soldier holding a waist knife came over, drove away the Bao Yi Aha, shielded his eyes with his left hand, and carefully scanned westward.

From afar, ten shadows approached, matching the number of Qing scouts sent out earlier. Though he could not explain why, something felt off, prompting him to step onto the road.

Red—red cloaks.

“Ming dogs, Ming dogs! Report to the lords!” the auxiliary soldier shouted loudly.

The infantry by the fire heard the commotion and ordered a nearby Bao Yi, “You cur, go see what the fuss is about.”

One Bao Yi, adding firewood to the flames, paused momentarily, gave the soldier a strange look, then turned toward the village entrance.

Before he could see clearly, an arrow shot swiftly through the air, striking the throat of the auxiliary soldier who was gesturing and shouting while retreating.

Frozen in place, the man raised his hands weakly to his neck, blood pouring out as his face turned deathly pale, eyes wide with terror.

With a thud, he collapsed, his body twitching and kicking violently despite not yet dead.

The surrounding Bao Yi Aha, accustomed only to plundering under their masters, had witnessed many Ming soldiers or civilians die cruelly—but rarely had they seen one of their own shot down so suddenly.

Like startled rabbits, they trembled in fear, brandishing long knives and shields, their cries piercing the air as they called for their masters by the fire to come and respond.

The chaotic scene caught the attention of the six Qing infantry soldiers, who rose quickly, seized their weapons, and moved into the road’s center.

At about sixty or seventy paces away, ten horsemen appeared—three in front, seven behind—all clad in bright armor and flaming red cloaks. Without doubt, they were Ming scouting cavalry.

“Whoosh… whoosh…”

Two more arrows flew but were easily deflected by the Qing infantry. The horses bore fresh sweat, showing signs of a recent gallop.

One soldier shouted, “Prepare the horses! All with me to kill these Ming dogs!”

Sounds of hurried footsteps mingled with neighing horses as the auxiliaries and Bao Yi hurried to loosen reins.

Four of the six Qing infantry raised their bows and fired at the three Ming horsemen.

But the Ming riders had no intention of trading volleys; spurring their mounts, they turned and fled.

Cursing, the six Qing soldiers mounted swiftly, leading four auxiliaries in pursuit. Behind them, nine Bao Yi Aha charged after their masters without waiting for orders.

...

Yang Qing, squad leader of Armor Unit C’s first squad in the rear outpost, urged his horse along the road, drawing steadily closer to Mafang Village’s entrance. Yet there was no sign of movement, which made him anxious.

He called two cavalrymen from his unit; the three rode ahead while the other seven stayed about two hundred paces back in support.

Galloping forward, Yang Qing saw no reaction from the enemy. On a sudden impulse, he charged straight toward the village gate.

At four hundred paces out, he spotted an auxiliary-looking Tartar soldier rushing onto the road to observe.

Unable to resist, Yang Qing spurred his mount, drew his bow, and released a heavy arrow powered by his horse’s momentum.

The arrow struck the throat of the scouting auxiliary.

At the village entrance, around seventeen or eighteen Tartars hastily mounted their horses. Yang Qing dared not linger; he and his companions fired two more arrows before turning to flee.

Dust billowed as a dozen horses thundered in pursuit of Yang Qing and his three riders.