Chapter 109: Chariots and Cavalry

Page 1/3

Han Zhan was utterly baffled by those words, a look of confusion spreading across his face as he prepared to speak. Yet Meng Di had already swung himself onto his horse and was heading back to the city. At that moment, Ji Ran approached Han Zhan’s side, his voice tinged with admiration.

“The saying goes that without trust, one cannot stand. Today’s grand display will surely inspire the townsfolk to eagerly enlist. Just follow our lord’s orders and carry it out.”

Still puzzled, Han Zhan scratched his head. He couldn’t understand how a single act of bestowing rewards could prompt so many townspeople to join the army. But since even Ji Ran said so, he chose not to question it further and hurried back to prepare.

Such was the reality of these times—information was scarce, and common folk could only guess the nature of their lord through small gestures. More often, they simply followed the established pattern without question. Today's unprecedented public distribution of rewards struck them deeply, especially seeing the promises fulfilled firsthand. As the saying goes, seeing is believing, and with that, the people began to form their own plans.

Everyone wishes for a better life. Meng Di’s recent victory had already astonished the townsfolk, filling them with a strange sense of security, confident that following such a leader into battle would bring them peace of mind.

Meng Di had contemplated granting land as well, but reconsidered. His strength was not yet sufficient to challenge the unspoken rules among the scholar-official class, and now was not the time for such upheaval.

As expected, by the next day, many villagers came forward armed, surrounding Han Zhan and the others. Crowds pressed in, three layers deep on all sides, exhausting Han Zhan until sunset before the enlistment was finally complete.

In total, over a thousand men were recruited, all in their prime. The only drawback was that most could not ride horses, so their first task was to raise and train cavalry. The horses were their lifeblood, their comrades on the battlefield.

Only by forging a strong bond with their horses could they fight skillfully and confidently.

More importantly, Meng Di began issuing monthly pay to the soldiers—an unprecedented move. At first, some were reluctant, but once they understood, any objections quickly vanished.

Page 2/3

All weapons brought by the recruits were confiscated, with the promise that once they could ride freely, each would receive their own warhorse, along with arms and armor.

Crucially, the horse-raising was not strictly regimented; as long as daily tasks were completed, they could leave early. Word of these generous conditions spread quickly among the people of Mengyi County.

The news traveled fast, not only within the State of Lu but also to neighboring feudal states. Many, confident in their strength, flocked to enlist, especially from the State of Qi.

In recent years, Qi’s fierce warriors gaining noble titles had become world-renowned, attracting many to Qi. Yet only a few attained such honors; most were left without fortune or sufficient skill.

In just half a year, Meng Di recruited nearly ten thousand new soldiers, while also filtering out many unsuited for service. He entrusted Ji Ran with their proper management. Those willing to stay were assigned to horse care, city defense, and various other duties, receiving cloth, money, and food according to their needs.

Thus, Mengyi’s population multiplied several times over. Thankfully, Meng Di had stockpiled ample grain beforehand, sufficient to sustain the new recruits for a year or more. Meanwhile, constant supplies continued flowing from Gumei City.

These goods arrived from the State of Ju’s ports, then directly to Lu. Initially, no one paid much attention, but over time, Ju’s ruler, Ji Kuang, grew restless.

His jealousy was simple: he seethed watching these endless supplies sent to Lu. Under his orders, large bands of thieves emerged within Ju.

This course of action was born of desperation. The merchant caravans were guarded by soldiers clad in shining armor, clearly formidable. Only by assembling overwhelming numbers could the thieves dare strike.

What surprised them was how, at the first sign of bandits, the merchants abandoned their goods and scattered. After several successful raids, Ji Kuang grew bolder, even blocking the ports.

In response, Meng Di cited Ju’s attacks on his caravans as justification to lead ten thousand cavalry from Feiyi to assault Zhongqiu. With his formidable cavalry charge, the city fell in less than half a day.

Meng Di then marched on Ju’s capital, Nanjù. Seeing the dire situation, Ji Kuang hastily deployed five hundred war chariots to confront him.

Page 3/3

Outside Nanjù, a hundred miles from the city, the two sides arrayed their forces. Meng Di felt his heart surge with anticipation. This would be the first clash between cavalry and chariot troops, and he intended to demonstrate cavalry’s power to all the feudal lords.

After careful observation, Meng Di spoke to Han Zhan and Liu Xia Tuo by his side.

“Though chariots charge straight ahead with unstoppable force, they are cumbersome when changing formation. Once battle begins, we will press forward along the entire line. Han Zhan, Liu Xia Tuo, each of you take three thousand cavalry.”

“When you hear my command, Han Zhan, circle left; Liu Xia Tuo, circle right. Avoid the chariots’ attack range and strike directly at their central forces to break their formation.”

“When their front chariots turn back, both of you will turn together. Then we attack simultaneously, seizing their vanguard quickly. If their rear forces attempt to maneuver, do not engage.”

“Continue to harass their flanks, drawing out their formation and waiting for the right moment.”

Han Zhan and Liu Xia Tuo acknowledged the orders and went to assemble their troops, awaiting further commands.

At Meng Di’s signal, over ten thousand cavalry advanced steadily. Opposite them, the five hundred chariots split into two groups: the vanguard charged while the rear provided support, aiming to scatter the cavalry with a powerful breakthrough.

But unexpectedly, a rapid drumbeat sounded. The cavalry suddenly divided into three units. Two groups flanked from left and right, bypassing the vanguard chariots and striking at the rear lines.

The battle was about to unfold in earnest.