Chapter 154: Yu Qian Takes the Field

"Boom, boom, boom—"

At the ramparts of Xizhimen, more than ten artillery pieces fired simultaneously, producing a thunderous roar.

The Ming soldiers, who were desperately fighting off the charging Oirat cavalry, let out excited cheers upon hearing the sound of the cannons.

Firearms were the most crucial reliance for the imperial Ming army in battle. However, the most elite Shenji Division had been transferred to Deshimen, leaving the Xizhimen garrison with a severely insufficient number of musketeers. This shortage had prevented the defenders from effectively holding back the Oirat cavalry.

Now that the artillery on the ramparts was roaring once more, even if it failed to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy, it still served as a powerful psychological deterrent against the Oirats.

What the soldiers of Xizhimen did not know, however, was that due to the expansive battlefield, many of the cannonballs pouring from the city walls fell short into their own formation, accidentally wounding quite a few Ming soldiers.

Yet, amidst such a chaotic melee, these minor casualties went completely unnoticed.

Consequently, upon hearing the artillery support once again, the morale of the Ming soldiers surged significantly. Under Liu Ju's command, they gradually managed to stabilize their battle formation.

During the initial phase of the assault, the cannons on the ramparts had unleashed a fierce bombardment upon the cavalry. Because Bolo's three thousand elite troops had previously been routed by the Ming artillery, many Oirat soldiers had developed a psychological trauma regarding the Ming firearms. The moment they heard the gunfire, they instinctively reined in their horses, not daring to charge forward.

Noticing this, Maonahai personally led the charge into battle, which finally compelled the Oirat soldiers to resume their assault.

After several rounds of shelling, the barrels of the Ming cannons became severely overheated and had to pause for cooling. This granted the Oirats a momentary respite, causing them to fight with growing ferocity and nearly breaking through into the main camp of the Xizhimen garrison.

Yet now, after cooling down, the Ming artillery struck again. This indiscriminate bombardment plunged the Oirats back into panic, and the early signs of a rout began to show.

Within the thick of the fray, Liu Ju wielded a heavy saber, personally engaging the enemy in combat.

Rumble—

Just as the two armies fought bitterly, a sudden sound of thundering hooves rolled in from the east, causing the earth to tremble and forcing both sides to slow their movements.

Upon sensing this, Liu Ju's expression changed drastically. To produce such a massive commotion required a force of at least several thousand cavalry. Nearly all the Ming soldiers assumed that Oirat reinforcements had arrived.

"General, what should we do now?"

Liu Ju's personal guard captain cut down a dismounted Oirat cavalryman, rushed over to Liu Ju, and shouted urgently.

Moments earlier, it was only with the support of the artillery that the Ming army had barely managed to hold its ground. If the Oirats were to receive thousands of fresh reinforcements, this battle would essentially be over, and they should instead be thinking about how to save their own lives.

"Damn it!"

Liu Ju cursed angrily, glaring at the guard captain. "Go and tell Sun Tang that he must find a way to get the city gates opened no matter what, or these twenty thousand soldiers will perish right here!"

"Yes!"

The guard captain cupped his fists, vaulted onto an ownerless warhorse left behind by an Oirat, and galloped swiftly toward the rear.

Just as Liu Ju was preparing to order his men to regroup and plan a retreat, the guard captain who had gone to deliver the message suddenly came riding back.

Startled at the sight, Liu Ju exclaimed, "Why are you back so soon? Have the city gates been opened?"

The guard captain leaped down from his horse and said with suppressed excitement, "General, our reinforcements have arrived!"

Liu Ju's previous plea for reinforcements had been rejected, and he had resigned himself to fighting a lonely battle. He never expected that reinforcements would actually arrive now. This immense surprise almost brought tears to his eyes.

However, this was no time for emotional displays. Liu Ju demanded, "Which gate did the reinforcements come from, what banner are they flying, and roughly how many men are there?"

"Reporting to the General, the reinforcement's commander's banner bears the character 'Gao'. There are about three thousand men, and they are approaching from the southeast!"

"Gao... I understand!"

After turning the thought over in his mind for a moment, Liu Ju slapped his thigh. The reinforcement commander had to be Regional Commander Gao Li; only he could rescue him at such a critical juncture.

This Gao Li was a commander recommended to the imperial court by Shi Heng. Alongside Mao Fushou, he was responsible for drilling the newly recruited troops of the Three-Thousand Division.

The Ming court's most elite capital garrisons were composed of the Shenji Division, the Three-Thousand Division, and the Five-Army Division. During the disastrous defeat at Tumu Fortress two months prior, the capital garrison forces had completely collapsed, suffering near-total losses.

After Yu Qian took charge of the capital's defense, he immediately set about rebuilding the three major capital divisions. Using the surviving soldiers as a core backbone and drawing in troops from various regions, he managed to barely prop up the framework of the capital garrison. As for the newly recruited garrison soldiers, they had not yet formed any combat effectiveness.

Previously, when the Juyong Pass sent out distress signals, Yu Qian had ordered Liu Xin to lead three thousand newly recruited soldiers of the Five-Army Division to reinforce the pass.

Later, lacking confidence in that force, the court further dispatched Sun Tang's detachment and the three thousand newly recruited Three-Thousand Division troops drilled by Gao Li—totaling over ten thousand men—to reinforce Juyong Pass.

Midway through their journey, however, Juyong Pass was breached from the rear by the Oirats, forcing this army of over ten thousand reinforcements to retrace their steps.

Upon returning, Sun Tang received orders to garrison Xizhimen with his own troops and Liu Ju.

As for Gao Li's three thousand men, they were primarily cavalry. Because their training time was too short and they were not yet capable of independent combat, Yu Qian had ordered them to station themselves on the outskirts of the capital and await further orders.

Gao Li possessed a certain level of capability. Although he had been placed outside the city walls as a reserve force and sidelined, he had never let down his guard regarding the movements of the Oirat army. Having previously received reports from scouts that the battle at Xizhimen was intense, he immediately mustered his troops and decided to catch the Oirats off guard, which led to the scene unfolding now.

With reinforcements arriving, Liu Ju's confidence soared. He immediately ordered the good news to be spread throughout the entire army, injecting a surge of adrenaline into the soldiers, who grew fiercer with every clash.

The Oirat scouts quickly uncovered the situation regarding Gao Li's force. Upon receiving the report, Maonahai realized that the general trend of the day was lost and immediately ordered a retreat, intending to regroup before making further plans.

Seeing the Oirats fall back, Liu Ju refused to let go of such a golden opportunity. He immediately instructed someone to inform Gao Li, proposing that their combined forces of over a thousand cavalry launch a pursuing strike. If they could bite off a chunk of this Oirat cavalry force before they could fully disengage, the greatest merit in the Defense of the Capital would be theirs.

Gao Li was responsible for training the cavalry, and having finally secured an opportunity to earn military merit today, he naturally refused to let it slip away. He instantly reached a consensus with Liu Ju and personally led his troops in tailing and pursuing the Oirat army.

Sure enough, once the two cavalry forces merged, they smashed the Oirat rear-guard in one fell swoop, chasing them all the way and inflicting unknown casualties.

Learning of this, Maonahai, the commander of the Oirat cavalry, realized that if he failed to block the pursuing Ming cavalry, the rear-guard would be dragged down and unable to disengage, leading to their eventual annihilation.

Weighing his options, Maonahai suddenly wheeled his horse around and instructed a messenger:

"Immediately relay orders to the Turchut division, telling them that the Ming cavalry is tailing and pursuing us, and we must crush them. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult for us to withdraw safely. Since the Turchut division suffered the fewest casualties, they must muster two thousand troops and accompany me to block the enemy!"

During the earlier engagements, the Turchut division had remained in the rear ranks, suffering minimal losses, and currently possessed the strongest combat capability within the main force. If they wanted the entire army to retreat successfully, the Turchut division had to contribute some effort.

Soon, three thousand men of the Turchut division, led by Maonahai, changed direction and flanked around from the side to launch an assault on the Ming cavalry.

Within the ranks of the Ming cavalry, Gao Li was immersed in the thrill of commanding an independent force and hunting down the once-invincible Oirat cavalry.

Perhaps because his own cavalry had undergone too short a training period, the green recruits gradually became separated from the more than one hundred veteran-led personal guards he commanded.

Just as Gao Li intended to slow down and wait for the lagging troops, he suddenly spotted a force of about two thousand Oirat cavalry striking in from his right flank.

"We're doomed!"

Realizing the danger, Gao Li frantically hauled on his reins, attempting to turn his troops around and head back.

Unfortunately, Maonahai did not grant him that chance. While those hundred-odd cavalrymen were thrown into panic, several hundred Oirat vanguard riders drew their bows and nocked arrows, unleashing a wave of arrows upon them.

Thud—

Gao Li was utterly unfortunate. Just as he spun his horse around to flee, a sharp arrow pierced straight through his chest. He tumbled off his horse instantly, losing his life on the spot.

"General!"

Witnessing this scene, the personal guards turned pale with horror.

At such a critical juncture, having a commander shot dead by the enemy dealt a devastating blow to morale. The newly recruited Ming cavalry trailing behind, seeing their commanding officer killed, instantly collapsed into a rout, frantically turning their horses around and fleeing back toward the Ming main camp.

In the rear, Liu Ju's cavalry was in a worse state than Gao Li's detachment and had been left far behind.

Just as he advanced a mile into pursuit, he suddenly saw Gao Li's forces fleeing wildly in his direction. Stunned, his jaw dropped wide enough to fit a fist, feeling as though he had seen a ghost.

"Retreat, retreat quickly!"

Regaining his wits, Liu Ju immediately ordered a fallback defense.

However, the fleeing soldiers of Gao Li's detachment were moving far too fast; they directly swept up his thousand-man force, stampeding wildly toward the Ming encampment.

"Heaven truly wishes to destroy me!"

Caught up in the churning, chaotic tide of fleeing troops, Liu Ju could not help crying out in bitter grief. How could a favorable and promising situation turn upside down in the blink of an eye into a rout?

He knew all too well how dangerous it was for a routed mob to slam into one's own main camp. At this point, his only hope was that Sun Tang, who had been left behind to guard the camp, could hold the fort. That way, he would still have a chance to redeem his crimes through service.

Fortunately, Sun Tang did not disappoint him. Upon discovering that their own routed soldiers were charging the main camp, he took immediate action. He slammed the camp gates shut, defending the stockade with absolute tenacity, and ultimately forced the fleeing mob to change direction and skirt around the camp into the rear, thus averting the tragedy of a total army collapse.

Yet, as a result, the Ming army's entire defense shifted to a passive stance. Maonahai, a seasoned veteran of countless wars, naturally refused to let such an excellent opportunity pass. He instantly mustered his troops and launched a counter-offensive against the Xizhimen garrison, plunging the defenders back to the brink of collapse in the blink of an eye.

Up on the ramparts, Wang Tong and Yang Shan witnessed the entire process. It was only when the thunderous battle cries of the Oirats surged that the two of them were snapped back to reality.

Wang Tong felt his limbs grow icy cold and his throat parched dry. After a long while, he spoke to Yang Shan:

"Lord Yang, while the vanguard can still put up some resistance, we should perhaps let Sun Tang's detachment enter the city to hold the fortifications, otherwise Xizhimen will be nearly impossible to defend."

Clenching his fists, Yang Shan ground his teeth and said:

"This Gao Li is utterly useless, throwing away such a splendid situation in the blink of an eye. If we open the city gates now, once swept by the chaotic mob, there will be no way to shut them again. The best course of action right now is to send for reinforcements from the nearest gates, Fuchengmen and Deshimen!"

"That is likely impossible!"

Wang Tong smiled bitterly. "Fuchengmen is currently engaged in battle with the Oirats and is probably unable to send help. As for Deshimen, Esen is personally leading twenty thousand elite cavalry to watch it closely. I doubt Regional Commander Shi dares to divide his forces."

Yang Shan took a deep breath and said, "Whether it works or not, let us report the news to His Majesty first. Perhaps there will be a turnaround."

Soon, Zhu Qiyu and the officials atop the ramparts learned of the development.

Earlier, Xizhimen garrison commander Wang Tong had reported that the defense was exceedingly difficult and requested reinforcements. Yu Qian had judged that the situation had not yet reached its most dangerous phase and dispatched no troops.

Later, upon hearing that Yang Shan had devised the artillery strategy to stabilize the battle formation, followed by Gao Li's surprise victory that routed the Oirat army, Zhu Qiyu and the officials had been so overjoyed that they showered the move with continuous praise.

Yet in less than two quarters of an hour, news had arrived that Gao Li was dead, his main force completely routed, the Oirats had counter-attacked, and Xizhimen was on the verge of falling.

These completely contradictory outcomes made Zhu Qiyu and the officials feel as though they were dreaming.

Stunned for a good while, Zhu Qiyu finally digested the tragic news, and with a heavy, unsightly complexion, he asked Yu Qian, "Lord Yu, tell me, what should we do now?"

It was almost comical: Zhu Qiyu was the Son of Heaven holding the supreme nine-five position, yet the moment an emergency arose, he lost his composure and had to turn to this ultimate pillar of the Ming dynasty, fully exposing his indecisive nature.

Yu Qian had already formulated a plan in his mind. With absolute finality, he stated:

"We must rescue them—we have no choice. Otherwise, if the Xizhimen garrison suffers a complete rout, the Oirats might seize the opportunity to storm the city!"

Grand Academician Chen Xun frowned and said, "Lord Yu, under the current circumstances, where can we find spare troops for a rescue? Surely you aren't thinking of pulling troops from Xuanwumen?"

Aside from Deshimen and Fuchengmen, Xuanwumen's forces were closest to Xizhimen.

However, Xuanwumen was easy to defend and difficult to attack, and the court had stationed only over ten thousand troops there. With Xizhimen's situation in such utter ruin, unless all ten thousand men of Xuanwumen were transferred to support it, altering the situation would be exceedingly difficult.

Furthermore, if Xuanwumen were to empty its forces and march out, the Oirat cavalry could move as swiftly as the wind; should they pivot and attack Xuanwumen instead, the supporting defenders would never make it back in time. The other gates were in a similar predicament and naturally lacked the capacity to render aid.

The assembled officials looked toward Yu Qian, all guessing which troops he would dispatch for the rescue.

Yu Qian simply pointed outside Deshimen and said to Zhu Qiyu:

"Your Majesty, I suggest that General Shi be ordered to detach fifteen thousand men, led by Assistant Commander Mao Fushou, to rescue Xizhimen!"

"How can that be?"

Startled, Zhu Qiyu shook his head repeatedly. "Esen's two thousand elite troops are glaring menacingly outside the city walls. Shi Heng only has fifty thousand men to begin with. If we split off over fifteen thousand, can the remainder hold the main camp?"

"Your Majesty, the crisis at Xizhimen is critical. Aside from Regional Commander Shi's main force, there are no other troops available to mobilize. If we do not rescue them and Xizhimen falls, what use will the other gates be, even if they are as solid as gold?" Yu Qian said with passionate intensity.

"This..."

Zhu Qiyu was struck speechless for a long moment before finally saying, "Then issue the order to Shi Heng, commanding him to divide his forces and rescue Xizhimen. Once the Oirat cavalry is beaten back, leave five thousand men to assist in the defense, and have the remaining troops return to Deshimen immediately."

"I obey the decree!"

Yu Qian bowed cupping his hands, and immediately instructed the soldiers to lower a hanging basket.

Startled, Zhu Qiyu asked, "Lord Yu, what is the meaning of this?"

Stepping up onto the battlements, Yu Qian told Zhu Qiyu, "Your Majesty, Deshimen lacks sufficient troops. Your humble servant will personally go to the center camp to take command; this will better help inspire the morale of the entire army!"

Hearing this, the civil and military officials on the ramparts were filled with deep respect, and many passionately expressed their desire to accompany Yu Qian.

"I, I..."

Zhu Qiyu's eyes reddened slightly. He desperately wanted to declare that he would lead the campaign in person, but after hesitating for a long while, he ultimately dismissed the thought and said to Yu Qian, "Lord Yu, tell the soldiers that I will personally beat the war drums for them atop the city walls, waiting for their victorious return!"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will convey your words!"

Yu Qian bowed to Zhu Qiyu, then turned to the ministers and said, "The affairs of the court cannot do without all of you. To inspire the fighting spirit of the soldiers, Yu Qian alone is enough."

With that, he stepped into the hanging basket and ordered the men to turn the winch.

Deeply moved, the officials all raised their hands in a synchronized bow and said, "Lord Yu, take care!"

After sending off Yu Qian, Zhu Qiyu took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions.

Glancing around the crowd, his eyes landed on Xue Rui, who was still watching Yu Qian depart. Zhu Qiyu spoke in a low voice to Xing'an beside him, "Take Xue Rui to wait in the main hall of the Wufeng Tower; I have words for him."