"Huan Chu, where did these warhorses come from? Didn't I say I'd leave them all for Xiang Zhuang and the others?"
Huan Chu grinned and said with a forced smile, "Reporting to King Xiang, after you left the fortress, we discussed it and still felt that taking only eight hundred cavalry to break through was too few, and leaving the remaining warhorses to Xiang Zhuang and the others would not be enough for everyone to ride, so they were all sent here."
"Foolish! How can we intimidate the enemy without enough cavalry? Send them back immediately!" Xiang Yu roared.
"King Xiang, even if I send these warhorses back to them, they won't want them. In fact, they'll send them back, and in the end, they might all benefit the enemy. Why don't you send them back yourself, King Xiang? You can leave the breakout here to me." Huan Chu's eyes showed determination.
Xiang Yu fell silent. Huan Chu was right. If Xiang Zhuang and Ji Bu refused to accept the package now, it would only cause trouble. It was even more impossible for him to deliver it personally.
"Overlord, things have come to this point, let's trust them. We have more cavalry on our side, and Yu Ji is safer. Even I can see how dangerous the current situation is, can't you not see it too? What are you hesitating for?" Hao Jiu reminded him.
How could Xiang Yu not see that the enemy troops were arrayed on both sides, and the main road in the middle, which seemed like a way out, was actually extremely dangerous? If the enemy suddenly surrounded the army as it passed through, the Chu army would suffer heavy losses.
Fortunately, Xiang Yu is now accompanied not by 800 cavalry, but by 6,800 cavalry, and most of his 8,000 Jiangdong men have returned. Even if they force a breakout, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
However, Xiang Yu smiled to himself, "The God of Wine is overthinking it. If they wanted to harm me, they would have done so just now. Even with only eight hundred cavalrymen at my disposal, I am confident that I can leave safely. I am wondering if I can take more troops from Jiujiang with me. This is a golden opportunity that would be a pity to miss, but it also carries some risks."
Hao Jiu's eyes lit up. "Great minds think alike! They don't obey Zhou Yin's orders, but they don't attack you either. Maybe we can actually win them over. Taking some risks is worthwhile."
But now we need to break out. Those Chu troops without horses are already a problem, let alone these Jiujiang troops. Do you think we can escape? I'm afraid Liu Ji and Han Xin already know we've broken out ahead of schedule, right?
Xiang Yu glanced at the infantry behind him and said, "Whether it's 10,000 more infantry or 20,000 more, there will always be a way out. There is a river called the Hui River 20 li south of here, and the Huai River is 50 li further south."
I plan to have the cavalry cover the rear to draw the Han army's attention, then cross the Hui River from the Jiuwan Shoal in the southwest, then head south from the north of Yinling to the east of the Huai River, hold the river and hold off the Han army's pursuers. Two days later, head southeast past Dongcheng and straight to Liyang, and finally cross the river from Liyang.
Using the two days gained by the cavalry, the infantry can head south directly to cross the Hui River, then cross the Huai River at Guantangpu, and then march rapidly to Dongcheng and Liyang to join our army. What does Dionysus think of this arrangement?
"Not good. Even if our cavalry takes a longer route and delays the Han army for two more days, we will definitely reach Dongcheng before the infantry. Moreover, Guan Ying's cavalry will definitely be chasing us from behind. It will be difficult to even gain a half-day lead. At that time, do you want to hold Dongcheng to support the infantry, or do you want to shake off Guan Ying and cross the river at Liyang?"
Hao Jiu knew that Xiang Yu in history might have broken out along this route. As a result, the infantry surrendered in Dongcheng, and Xiang Yu only took twenty-eight horsemen to Wujiang Pavilion, where he committed suicide at the border of Dongcheng and Liyang.
Xiang Yu frowned. Holding off the Han army for two days on the Huai River was already the limit. Any longer and they would be surrounded on the south bank of the Huai River. If the infantry failed to reach Dongcheng in time, all their previous efforts would be in vain.
Moreover, the Huai River is not easy to cross, both for infantry and cavalry, and the situation may become even worse.
"The terrain around Yinling is complex; perhaps we can hold off the pursuers there for another day." Xiang Yu still didn't want to give up.
Hao Jiu gave a wry smile. "The complex terrain isn't just something I said to the Han army. May I ask, Your Majesty, are you familiar with the roads? How many years ago was the last time you went through Yinling? Let's not let the Han army get lost while we do."
Furthermore, what difference would it make if we could delay them for another day? It's still a long way from Dongcheng to Liyang, isn't it? It would probably take the infantry three or four days to get there. How could you possibly hold off Guan Ying's pursuers there?
Even if the infantry reached the riverbank under the cover of the cavalry, how long would it take for them all to cross the river? How many boats would be needed? Did Xiang Yu really intend to fight a desperate battle with his back to the river?
"My lord," I said, "besides Dongcheng, are there any other routes the infantry can take? If not crossing the river at Liyang, are there other places to cross? If so, it would be best if we didn't even go through Dongcheng; that place is too dangerous."
"Yes. After the infantry crosses the Huai River at Guantangpu, they can break through to the southeast, cross Yangjian Mountain and head straight for Tangyi in Guangling. They can also cross the river from Tangyi, but that section of mountain road is not easy to travel."
After passing Yinling, the cavalry could head south to Shuxian, and then cross the river east of Juchao, though the journey would be considerably longer than to Liyang.
Xiang Yu had to take Hao Jiu's advice seriously; he didn't want to regret it again. If this route didn't work either, he might as well just abandon the infantry.
"Then let the infantry take the Tangyi route. It's also beneficial for the two armies to cross the river separately. Let's skip Liyang and go through Juchao, even if it's a bit far." Hao Jiu immediately made the decision, as long as we try not to follow the same route as in history.
In fact, although there are no tall mountains in the area from Gaixia to the Yangtze River, there are clusters of low peaks about 100 meters high. There are only three routes from Gaixia to Jiangdong by land: Guangling, Liyang, and Juchao, Fan Zeng's hometown.
Traveling by water was convenient, as the area from Gaixia eastward all the way to the Yangtze River at Guangling was part of the Hongze Lake system. Unfortunately, Xiang Yu didn't have enough boats, and the waterways would certainly be a key defensive point for Han Xin.
"Alright, let's do as the God of Wine says." After Hao Jiu's reminder, Xiang Yu also realized that the previous plan was somewhat flawed. There were many capable people in Liu Ji's army, and with Zhang Liang's abilities, he might have already reached Liyang to ambush them.
It doesn't matter which route the cavalry takes, Liyang or Juchao, as they can change course if they find an ambush. But with more infantry, it becomes difficult to escape.
After Xiang Yu and Hao Jiu finished their discussion, the Chu infantry also arrived at the scene.
"Huan Chu, take the infantry and go ahead first. While you're at it, tear down the southern camp wall."
"Yes!" Huan Chu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This time, he was the one who disobeyed military orders first.
Soon, the Chu infantry lined up and began to pass through this passage where they could be surrounded at any moment, with everyone's heart in their throat.
When the army of over ten thousand reached the center of the passage, someone in the Jiujiang army suddenly shouted, "If we let the Chu army leave safely, we will all be punished by the King of Han!"
Splash...
In an instant, swords and spears clashed, and tensions rose!
Chapter 31 Breakthrough (Part 9)
Xiang Yu originally planned to let the infantry escape from the camp first, and then try to recruit some of the Jiujiang army to surrender.
However, after the phrase "punished by the King of Han" was uttered, tensions rose between the two sides, and a major battle could break out at any moment, forcing Xiang Yu to bring the situation forward.
"Stop!" Xiang Yu roared, temporarily suppressing the urge to fight between the two sides. "I have a few words to say to everyone!"
"Don't move!" The left and right commanders of the Jiujiang army also issued the same order.
Xiang Yu shouted, "I understand the concerns of the brother who just spoke. If we are simply let pass without an explanation, Liu Ji will inevitably think that you are colluding with the enemy."
But! Don't forget, I have already breached your camp. If it weren't for our past relationship, and I had led nearly ten thousand cavalry to charge straight out, would you have been able to stop me?
Furthermore, Zhou Yin is your commander-in-chief. He has ordered you to lay down your weapons and surrender. He will bear all the blame afterward. Your refusal to surrender is already commendable; how could Liu Ji possibly punish you?
Upon hearing this, the soldiers of Jiujiang lowered their heads, their faces flushed red, especially as the words "loyalty and bravery" pierced their consciences.
If they were truly loyal and brave, why would they betray Xiang Yu and follow Zhou Yin to surrender to Liu Ji?
"King Xiang, we dare not claim loyalty and bravery in our betrayal of Chu; we merely seek a way to survive. We have no desire to fight to the death with you. But I dare to ask, if Grand Marshal Zhou Yin were to die at your hands, would he be able to take responsibility for our crimes?" A veteran from Jiujiang stepped forward; he was the one who had just spoken.
Everyone, including Xiang Yu, fell silent. Zhou Yin's betrayal of Xiang Yu directly led to the defeat at Gaixia. Now that he had fallen into Xiang Yu's hands, how could Xiang Yu let Zhou Yin go?
Once Zhou Yin dies at Xiang Yu's hands, what excuse will the Jiujiang army have for not attacking the Chu army?
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yin, who had already given up hope, had his eyes light up again. "King Xiang, please spare my life. If I am fortunate enough to survive from the hands of the King of Han, I am willing to become your inside agent. What do you say?"
Xiang Yu closed his eyes. "God of Wine, what should I do? Letting Zhou Yin go could save tens of thousands of lives, but Zhou Yin has harmed me greatly and committed the six heinous crimes of the Shu Tu. How can I not kill him?"
Hao Jiu smiled and said, "Didn't the Overlord already have the answer? Killing him would certainly vent his anger, but it would be far less rewarding than letting him go. Besides, Zhou Yin only got a chance to live. Liu Ji even killed Ding Gu, would he let Zhou Yin go?"
In fact, isn't this also an opportunity to subdue the Jiujiang army? I've heard a poem that's quite fitting for the current situation; why don't you recite it for us, Your Majesty…”
Xiang Yu slowly opened his eyes, with tears glistening in them. What a beautiful poem!
"Beans are boiled to make soup, and the dregs are strained to make broth. The stalks burn beneath the pot, while the beans weep within. We are born from the same root, why must we torment each other so?"
Zhou Yin has committed heinous crimes, yet letting him live could save many more lives. So be it. I cannot bear to see the former soldiers of Chu kill each other, nor do I wish for you to be unjustly punished by Liu Ji. Therefore, I will spare him for now.
Previously, when our army was in danger, you were all coerced and misled by Zhou Yin to seek your own survival and defect to the enemy. I do not blame you. Now I am confident that I can withdraw to Jiangdong and will surely make a comeback one day.
If any of you are still willing to follow me, then come with me to Jiangdong. All your past sins will be forgiven. If you are not willing to follow me, please consider our shared country and step back a hundred feet.
"I, the King, do not wish to fight you any longer, but if you insist on serving Liu Ji and obstructing my army, and even attempt to slaughter my soldiers here, I will not let you go! Please make your choice now!"
"King Xiang, this humble general is willing!" Zhou Yin cried tears of joy.
"You are not worthy!" Xiang Yu said through gritted teeth.
In fact, after Xiang Yu recited the "Seven Steps Poem," many soldiers from Jiujiang who had been forced to surrender to the Han army wanted to follow him, their only worry being that Xiang Yu would settle scores later. Once Xiang Yu finished speaking, this concern was completely dispelled.
"I am unworthy, but I am willing to follow King Xiang once again to fight on the battlefield!"
"The Great Chu will never perish! I am willing to follow King Xiang!"
...
The voices of those following Xiang Yu rose and fell among the Jiujiang army. What was there to fear even if one were to die if one could follow a commander like Xiang Yu!
"Listen up, soldiers of Jiujiang! Anyone who does not wish to follow King Xiang, retreat a hundred paces immediately! King Xiang is a man of his word and will never go back on his promise!" shouted Zhang Ning, the Left Sima.
Right Sima Zhao Yu then issued the same order, and a large number of Jiujiang troops began to retreat, eventually leaving only more than 20,000 men.
Xiang Yu was slightly disappointed. It seemed that most people still didn't think he could lead everyone safely to Jiangdong to make a comeback.
But the next moment, Xiang Yu's eyes lit up, because Zhang Ning and Zhao Yu had also stayed behind!
"King Xiang! We are willing to follow you to Jiangdong to atone for our sins!" Zhang Ning and Zhao Yu stood side by side in front of Xiang Yu and said loudly.
"We are willing to follow King Xiang to Jiangdong to atone for our sins!" the 20,000 soldiers of Jiujiang shouted in response.
"Excellent! In such a perilous situation, with you all still willing to die for us, how can we not restore the Great Chu?" Xiang Yu made up his mind that he would bring these loyal and righteous elites to Jiangdong no matter what.
After leaving the main camp, Xiang Yu quickly explained his revised breakout plan to his generals. The key point was that Zhang Ning and Zhao Yu, the left and right commanders, would lead the infantry directly south to cross the river at Tangyi, while Xiang Yu would lead the cavalry to cover the rear and break out along another route. The two armies would eventually meet up in Jiangdong.
After the Chu cavalry and infantry separated, the enemy cavalry would definitely pursue them, which would greatly increase the Chu infantry's chances of escape.
This plan already takes the infantry into consideration to the greatest extent possible, so Zhang Ning and Zhao Yu have no objections. If someone else were in command, these infantrymen would probably end up eating dust behind the cavalry and serving as cannon fodder.
At this moment, Han Xin, who was preparing to ambush the eastern part of Yingbu's defense zone ahead of schedule, finally received news that the Chu army had changed its plans and was breaking out ahead of schedule.
Han Xin even suspected that Xiang Yu might have already discovered that Xiang Bo was an inside traitor and deliberately had him spread false information to mislead them.
"Your Majesty, the Chu army has broken out ahead of schedule. How should our army respond? Should we send troops to support Zhou Yin? Or reinforce Ding Fu?" Li Zuoche approached.
Han Xin snorted coldly, "Zhou Yin's Jiujiang army has 100,000 men. Add to that Liu Jia's Han army in the west and Ying Bu's Huainan army in the east. With so many troops, how can they not hold out until Liu Ji's main Han army comes to their aid?"
Guan Ying took all our cavalry with him. He should be able to provide support soon. Why would we need to go and help? They never intended for us to share in the credit for capturing and killing Xiang Yu.
If I'm not mistaken, Xiang Yu will definitely adopt a plan to break out separately with cavalry and infantry. If the cavalry breaks out from Zhou Yin's side, the infantry will most likely break out by water. Therefore, reinforcing Ding Fu is the best option.
Fortunately, I had Ding Fu lead his troops out early; they should have been able to intercept the Chu army in time. Ji Bu and Zhongli Mei won't be able to escape!"
Just then, a soldier came to report.
"Your Majesty, the Chu army has launched a large number of rafts, but instead of going downstream, they have formed a pontoon bridge and have already crossed to the other side."
"Huh? What did you say? A pontoon bridge? Xiang Yu has some nerve, actually letting Ji Bu and Zhongli Mei break through to the north... Quick! Pass on my order, the army must immediately cross the Xiao River to pursue the Chu army!" Han Xin's expression changed drastically. What exactly did Xiang Yu intend to do?
Chapter 32 Breakthrough (Part 10)
Han Xin and Li Zuoche had anticipated that the Chu army would break out ahead of schedule. In fact, there were only a few possible directions for the Chu army to break out: southwest, due south, southeast, or by water downstream. This was obvious.
Since Xiang Yu's last territory, Jiangdong, was located southeast of Gaixia, wouldn't breaking out in that direction only take him further from his destination?
The most circuitous route was to break out to the southwest, but as Xiang Bo's intelligence mentioned, the Chu army intended to make the appearance of a surprise attack on Liu Ji, and then turn south to break out from Liu Jia's defense zone.
It was precisely because the intelligence sent by Xiang Bo was reasonable that Han Xin and Li Zuoche believed it to be true and Xiang Yu's only way out.
As a result, Xiang Yu's cavalry broke out from the south guarded by Zhou Yin ahead of schedule, while Ji Bu and Zhongli Mei's infantry abandoned the waterway and crossed the river directly to break out to the north.
Who was defending the north? It was none other than Prince Peng Yue of Liang!
If you were to ask which force was the weakest in the siege of Xiang Yu at Gaixia, besides Ying Bu's Huainan New Army, it would be Peng Yue's guerrilla bandit army.