Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors

Over ten thousand cavalrymen split into two parts, both charging down the sides of Wulong Slope!

Among them, the main force led by Jie Li Khan clashed head-on with the cavalry led by Li Hongyun, while the cavalry led by Tulikhan charged directly at Prince Qi and the remaining forces of the Liang Army.

Of course, Li Hongyun didn't know exactly how the Turkic people communicated or deployed their troops, but seeing how the enemy divided their forces, he was almost certain that his opponent must be Jie Li Khan himself.

It was not only because the cavalry he faced was more numerous and seemed to be stronger in combat, but also because Tulikhan seemed reluctant to directly confront Lord Qin.

In the chaotic battlefield, there was no room for communication or negotiation; Li Hongyun focused all his attention on the battle itself, leading the cavalry of the Liang Army against the Turkic people.

It must be said, the Liang cavalry was indeed brave. Despite their disadvantage of fighting uphill and facing the stronger impact of the Turkic cavalry, they still maintained a high level of organization and fought bloodily.

Their fine armor, long sabers, and horse lances greatly aided these elite cavalrymen of the Liang Army.

However, while Li Hongyun was engaged in combat with Jie Li Khan's main cavalry force, disaster struck the other part of the Liang Army.

"Report!

"Your Highness, Prince Qi's formation has been broken by the Turkic people, and they are retreating towards the city of Binzhou State!"

A messenger soldier struggled to find Li Hongyun, who was intensely fighting, and delivered this stroke-inducing news.

"What?"

Li Hongyun was instantly furious.

That side was supposed to be the main force!

Although Li Hongyun had brought elite cavalry, the numbers weren't large, just over a thousand men. The main force of the Liang Army was supposed to be with Prince Qi.

After all, he had to flank the enemy's rear, and it was not practical to bring too many troops as that would be too conspicuous and fail to achieve the objective of swift action.

So, he had withstood the main force of the Turkic people, yet the main force of the Liang Army at Prince Qi's side was overwhelmed by Tulikhan?

Li Hongyun frowned deeply but soon made a resolute decision.

"Follow me in!"

After that, he took the lead himself, attempting to break directly through the cavalry of the Turkic people to locate Jie Li Khan.

This attempt, of course, failed.

At this time, the Turkic cavalry outnumbered his, and Jie Li Khan was not incompetent. Positioned on higher ground with the advantage, his superb horsemanship allowed him to retreat at any time.

Killing him was even more difficult than when General Qin Kaiyun had once cut down an enemy general in battle.

After all, when General Qin Kaiyun had killed Gao Yi, the enemy was changing formations, and the main force at that time consisted of infantry.

...

After dying in battle, Li Hongyun did not immediately restart but went to check the historical documents of that time.

Then, based on the issues encountered in his last attempt, he comprehensively summarized the current situation he was facing.

In fact, from the moment he learned that Prince Qi's main Liang forces had been defeated by the Turkic people, Li Hongyun realized that this attempt was bound to fail.

At that time, he had only two choices, either to retreat or to take a risky move and try to rush in and assassinate Jie Li Khan.

Clearly, neither option would have been very favorable.

If he retreated, the Turkic people would definitely pursue him relentlessly. Even though the Liang Army's strength and organization were strong, they would inevitably suffer heavy losses during the pursuit.

Even if he successfully withdrew to Binzhou City, it would be difficult to come out and turn the tables later.

The Turkic people would become even more unrestrained in their raiding and looting around, and their "fear of Qin" would be instantly cured.

The situation would become uncontrollable.

As for assassinating Jie Li Khan, not to mention the low success rate, even if he succeeded, Lord Qin, deep in enemy territory, would hardly stand a chance to fight his way out.

In that scenario, Tulikhan would likely be the happiest.

Because he could directly take over the entire remaining Turkic Army, and the situation of the Liang Army would not improve in any way.

Therefore, the biggest lesson was that this battle should not have taken place.

It had been raining continuously in Guanzhong, leading to blocked supply routes and exhausted soldiers. And with the Turkic people well-rested and holding the high ground, the Liang Army really could not gain an advantage under these unfavorable conditions.

But as Prince Qi had said, it was also not feasible to just defend Binzhou State.

Doing so would show weakness to the enemy, letting the Turkic people know that the Liang Army dared not fight, and their subsequent actions would be even more unrestrained.

Li Hongyun couldn't help but reflect: "Military strategy is a form of deception.

"Appear where you are not expected, hide your capabilities when you are strong. Display strength when you are weak, show weakness when you are capable.

"In a situation where each has its strengths and weaknesses, avoid your disadvantages and exploit the enemy's disadvantages as much as possible, and maximize your advantages while minimizing those of the enemy.

"After a series of preparations, then you can engage in a decisive battle. You should not always rely on your bravery to make meaningless attempts."

Having mentally rehearsed his lines, Li Hongyun once again started his role-play.

This time, he was going to replicate the tactics used by Lord Qin in the past.

"Big brother…"

Just as Prince Qi was about to say something, Li Hongyun interrupted him.

"The Turkic cavalry occupies the high ground, monitoring our movements from above, and we cannot show weakness. Otherwise, they can no longer be restrained.

"You stay here and lead the main force while I'll be back soon."

Prince Qi was shocked: "Big brother, the Turkic people already have the advantage, going there rashly now could lead to regrettable consequences if something goes wrong!"