The Struggle of Chaos Chapter Seventy-Three: The Surprise Attack

At Beiyan Pass, the armies of Tang and Meng had been locked in a standoff for half a year. Throughout these six months, the two sides clashed countless times, with victories and losses on both ends. Yet, a month prior, the Mongol army launched an all-out assault on the fortress—a campaign that saw both sides commit nearly all their forces. Ultimately, however, the Tang army, superior in numbers, managed to repel the Mongol onslaught.

Though both forces suffered heavy losses, morale among the Tang soldiers soared to new heights. Many even volunteered to lead troops and drive the Mongols back to their homeland. Still, Xue Rengui, the supreme commander, remained steadfast, holding his forces behind the city walls without launching a counterattack.

Within the camp, Yang Ruiyun, the vanguard general, had just returned from yet another skirmish. Over the past half year, Yang Ruiyun had become akin to a war god, sweeping across the battlefield undefeated. Those who once doubted him were now thoroughly won over by his exploits.

“Young master, are you alright?” Yang Hu asked with concern. Yang Ruiyun had participated in far more battles than the Silver Spear Cavalry, leaving him perpetually tense and on edge—a state that would have broken most men long ago.

Wiping the blood-stained sweat from his brow, Yang Ruiyun replied, “I’m fine, Brother Hu. In fact, I feel better than ever lately.”

“These battles are intense. You should take some rest.”

“Mm. But what’s going on over there?” Yang Ruiyun asked, glancing at a commotion in the distance.

“I heard a princess from the Tang court has come to offer comfort and gifts. The soldiers are all beside themselves with excitement. She’s probably over there.”

Shedding his armor, Yang Ruiyun said, “That’s good. The men could use a break. Oh, Brother Hu, I need to see General Xue later, so don’t wait for me at dinner.”

Just as Yang Ruiyun was about to leave, a gentle, slightly familiar voice called out to him.

“You must be General Yang?”

He turned to see a young woman in a pale yellow gauze dress standing before him. Her breathtaking beauty was accentuated by an air of nobility, and her lustrous black hair was adorned with several golden ornaments that sparkled in the light.

“That’s right. And you are?” While answering, Yang Ruiyun studied her closely—though her face was striking, it stirred only the faintest recollection. He remembered little of the arrogant princess he’d met once before, and now, after months of war, it was impossible to place her.

Princess Jingning smiled softly. “My name is Jingning. I am fortunate to visit the front lines and bring comfort to those who bleed for Tang. I’ve also brought supplies donated by the people, all hoping for your triumphant return.”

“Is that so? Thank you.” Yang Ruiyun’s reply was cold, instantly casting an awkward pall over the atmosphere. Though they’d met before, he had little impression of the haughty princess, and she, despite recalling the strikingly aloof man, failed to recognize him now—his once fair skin darkened by months of hardship, his face still streaked with dirt and dust.

Maintaining her composure, Jingning kept her warm smile. “I have heard General Yang’s reputation rivals that of Guan Yu, who once slew Hua Xiong with a cup of warm wine. From the depths of my heart, I admire you and have long wished to see you in person.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. But I must discuss military matters with General Xue and cannot stay to chat. Please forgive me.” With that, Yang Ruiyun turned and walked away.

“Please don’t take offense, Your Highness,” Yang Hu quickly interjected. “General Yang is always like this. When he returns, I’ll speak with him on your behalf.”

Annoyed but maintaining her poise, Jingning replied, “It’s nothing. Military matters are more important—my presence should not delay General Yang’s duties.”

With a brief farewell, Jingning and her maid withdrew to her assigned residence. Only on the road did her smile finally vanish.

“Find out everything you can about this Yang Ruiyun. How dare he treat me so rudely?”

“At once, Your Highness.”

At the Xue residence, Xue Rengui was poring over a map, deep in thought. Only when Yang Ruiyun arrived did he snap out of his reverie.

“General Xue, in today’s battle, the Mongols were defeated again.”

“Is that so? Not bad.” Despite the victory, Xue Rengui’s expression remained grave. He slowly lifted his head and asked, “Ruiyun, what do you think the Mongols are waiting for?”

“It’s hard to say, but I have a theory,” Yang Ruiyun replied.

Xue Rengui nodded for him to continue.

“I believe their aim is not simply to break through Beiyan Pass, but to invade the Central Plains. They haven’t committed all their forces to the siege.”

“You think they’ve found another route into the heartland?” Xue Rengui had guarded Beiyan Pass for decades, always convinced it was the only gateway for the Mongols. Just as Zhenbei Pass was the only way the Northern Warriors could enter Dongwu, so too was Beiyan Pass the only point of entry for the Mongols. Both fortresses were built into towering mountains, and if another route existed, the Mongols would have used it long ago instead of being blocked for centuries. Still, Yang Ruiyun’s reasoning was not without merit, and Xue Rengui found himself uncertain.

Seeing Xue Rengui lost in thought, Yang Ruiyun pressed on, “General, allow me to lead the army tonight in a direct assault on the Mongol encampment. Then all will become clear.”

“The Mongols still have over a hundred thousand troops, plus ten thousand steppe cavalry. A surprise attack…?”

“Uncle Xue, I believe this is the only way to break the current deadlock.”

Xue Rengui was silent for a long moment before finally making up his mind. “Age has made me cautious, while your youth gives you the courage to act. This battle will be fraught with peril. Take your three thousand Silver Spear Cavalry, plus thirty thousand more horsemen. I’ll have five thousand Divine Guard ready to support you. Be careful.”

“I will.”

Gripping Yang Ruiyun’s shoulder, Xue Rengui added, “Your father’s spirit will protect you. You must return alive.”

As Yang Ruiyun was about to leave, Xue Rengui suddenly remembered something. “Ruiyun, wait.”

“Yes, Uncle Xue, is there something else?”

Xue Rengui loosened his collar and took from his neck a pendant shaped like a beast’s fang. He placed it in Yang Ruiyun’s hand. “This talisman was given to me by my master. Take it for protection.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Yang Ruiyun promptly hung the ordinary-looking charm around his neck, unaware of the power hidden within.

They discussed the details of the operation—an imminent strike that would catch the Mongols off guard. For years, the Mongol army’s strength had been its mobility and penchant for surprise attacks. They were the hunters, never the hunted. No one dared assail them. This battle was fraught with uncertainty, yet Yang Ruiyun brimmed with confidence, not simply because his own abilities had grown, but also thanks to the secret strategy left by Ren Xingtian. The day before, bewildered by the situation, Yang Ruiyun had opened the pouch Ren Xingtian had given him before departing; inside was a single slip of paper bearing but two words: “surprise attack.”

With his own suspicions confirmed, Yang Ruiyun presented this bold yet prudent plan to Xue Rengui.

Night descended, cool and shrouded in mist, as Yang Ruiyun marshaled more than thirty thousand cavalry, ready for the campaign.

At Beiyan Pass, in the princess’s quarters, Jingning was draped in a snow-white veil, sitting quietly at her desk.

Her peace was interrupted when a guard entered. “Your Highness, we’ve discovered Yang Ruiyun’s background.”

The guard glanced up, only to be met with a vision that made his blood run hot and his face flush scarlet.

Jingning ignored his reaction and asked coolly, “Where is he from?”

“Your Highness, Yang Ruiyun hails from Beitong Pass and is the sworn brother of General Li Qiutong, the current Commander of Zhenbei.”

“Li Qiutong? Yang Ruiyun?” Memories from half a year ago stirred in Jingning’s mind.

“So it’s them. How interesting.” She rested her chin lightly on her hand, pondering, then turned to the guard still kneeling before her.

“Do you think I’m beautiful?”

Nervously, the guard replied, “Yes, Your Highness is as lovely as a fairy.”

“Is that so?” Her voice turned suddenly cold. “Since you’ve brought me this information, I’ll spare your life. Go now and gouge out your own eyes.”

The guard’s face went pale as he realized his offense—his gaze had been discovered. Recalling the rumors about Princess Jingning’s cruelty, a chill ran through him.

“I am unworthy to live.” With that, he raised his hand and jabbed his fingers toward his eyes.

“Be gone.”

At the city gate, Yang Ruiyun was making final arrangements with Xue Dingshan, commander of the Divine Guard.

“Brother Yun, the responsibility for this battle is heavy,” Xue Dingshan said, well aware of Yang Ruiyun’s identity as Xue Rengui’s only son.

Yang Ruiyun smiled easily. “It’s manageable. As long as your support arrives in time, I’m confident.”

“Don’t worry—Father has ordered me to bring you back, even at the cost of my life.”

They exchanged a smile and returned to their respective commands. Under Yang Ruiyun’s leadership, the main cavalry force set out first, with the Divine Guard following closely behind.

Meanwhile, something was amiss in the Mongol camp. Their commander-in-chief, Hulun’er, had left a month earlier with about half the steppe cavalry, claiming to have found a way to break the deadlock. Command had since fallen to Prince Liecheng, the imperial overseer.

The remaining 100,000 troops had been reduced to 50,000, as many were recalled home for domestic reasons. To conceal their diminished numbers from Xue Rengui, Liecheng had done everything possible to maintain the illusion of strength. But now, with hope pinned on an unreliable commander, the Mongols could do little but delay, unable to retake Beiyan Pass.

Little did they know, the Tang army was already staking everything on a bold and desperate assault.