Dawn painted the horizon with fire as the pale army of Li Fang advanced toward the border plain where the encounter with the barbarian horde was expected. In the camp, orders were transmitted firmly and precisely. Discipline was palpable in the air. Li Wei, now twelve and with experience from his first campaign, watched every movement attentively, aware of the importance of the moment. His grandfather, the old general, was in command and the entire army depended on his judgment.
—Li Wei, remember what we have trained for —Li Fang said, his voice rough but full of authority—. You are not just a child, but an observer. Take note of every maneuver, learn, and prepare for when it's your turn to act.
The lord feudal's troops totaled 13,000 elite soldiers: 5,000 heavy infantry, 1,000 elite mounted archers, 4,000 elite heavy cavalry, and 3,000 recruited archers. Opposite them, the barbarians stretched out like a wild wave: 15,000 men, with 8,000 infantry —of which 1,000 were elite—, 2,000 common archers, and 5,000 cavalry with 4,000 light and 1,000 heavy.
The preparationThe morning was fresh, but the gazes burned. Li Wei scanned the formation deployed before him. His grandfather's army had a traditional but well-balanced structure. The heavy infantry formed the solid core in the center, with their spears and shields ready to withstand the impact. In front of them, the recruited archers occupied strategic positions to support with long-range fire, while the heavy cavalry was divided into two wings, ready to flank and react to any enemy movement.
But the greatest secret and advantage lay in the 1,000 elite mounted archers, who could move swiftly across the field and shoot while galloping. They were a disciplined and lethal unit, trained to harass the barbarian light cavalry and protect the flanks.
Li Wei knew that mastering the coordinated use of these troops would be key to the outcome. His intelligence and analysis had improved, and now he understood the importance of mobile maneuvers.
The enemy deploymentOn the other side of the plain, the barbarian horde moved with the energy of desperation and ferocity. Their men lacked the discipline and formation of the lord feudal's soldiers, but their numbers and aggression made up for those deficiencies.
The 8,000 barbarian infantry, mostly rough peasants and tribal warriors, formed an irregular line, with their elite warriors in the center, ready to strike hard. Their 2,000 common archers fired from the rear, while the light and heavy cavalry —less trained but very numerous— prepared for shock maneuvers and harassment.
Li Wei watched as his grandfather calmly analyzed the terrain. On his battle-worn face, there was no trace of doubt. Experience stood alone.
The first maneuver: Reconnaissance and pressure—Order the mounted archers to patrol the flanks and harass the light cavalry —Li Fang ordered his officers—. We cannot allow them to bypass us or disorganize our ranks.
The mounted archers shot out like a flash, a cloud of movement and arrows crashing upon the barbarians. Their precision was deadly, and their moving-shoot tactics disoriented the enemy light cavalry.
Li Wei watched in amazement. The mounted archers, despite their youth, demonstrated impeccable coordination, attacking and retreating with speed, forcing the barbarian light cavalry to withdraw and regroup.
In parallel, the heavy infantry of grandfather Li Fang formed an iron wall. Their spears and shields advanced step by step, each man firmly planted in place. The barbarians tried several charges but crashed against the discipline and strength of the soldiers.
Defense and counterattackThe barbarians, however, were unwilling to yield. The barbarian heavy cavalry attempted a frontal attack against the infantry line, seeking to break the formation. The thunder of hooves and clash of weapons echoed across the plain.
Li Wei felt the tension rise on the field. He saw his grandfather signal the elite heavy cavalry to deploy in a quick and tight maneuver.
The horses of the lord feudal's heavy cavalry neighed fiercely, and their riders, armed with spears and swords, galloped with determination against the barbarians. The charge was brutal. The clash was like thunder shaking the earth.
The barbarian cavalry, less disciplined and with less effective weaponry, began to retreat before the power and coordination of Li Fang's army.
Li Wei took mental notes, aware of how well-trained heavy cavalry could decide a battle in their favor. The key was the synchrony between solid infantry, archer fire, and the cavalry strike.
The importance of intelligence and the systemWhile observing, Li Wei discreetly activated his system to analyze the enemy commanders. The system showed him basic stats of some barbarian generals, pointing out their weaknesses in command and strategy.
Barbarian General X: Command ability 12, Intelligence 15, Luck 25.Barbarian Cavalry Leader Y: Command ability 10, Intelligence 12, Luck 20.
His system also allowed him to foresee possible calculated moves based on previous patterns and stats. Li Wei began sharing his observations with some young officers, gaining respect for his knowledge.
The turning point: Combined use of mounted archers and cavalryWhen the barbarians tried to regroup for a second charge, the elite mounted archers executed a key maneuver.
Divided into small groups, they harassed the enemy light cavalry from multiple angles, while the lord feudal's heavy cavalry closed the trap.
This coordinated action caused the enemy's disorganization and began to break the morale of the barbarian horde.
Li Wei wondered as he watched how the joint work between high-mobility units and heavy force generated exponential results.
The battle progresses: Li Wei's roleAlthough Li Wei was not fighting, his role as observer was crucial. He communicated with his grandfather, proposed small adjustments, and maintained the morale of the young officers.
His grandfather, with a proud smile, expressed happiness over his performance, confirming that Li Wei's training was bearing fruit.
Chapter conclusionThe sun began to set as the battle seemed to have decisively swung in favor of lord feudal Li Fang. The barbarians were retreating, their morale broken and formations disintegrated.
The victory was normal, without great catastrophes, but decisive and necessary for the region's defense.
Li Wei understood that this victory was only the beginning. The path to becoming a great strategist would be long, full of challenges and difficult decisions.