750 Yan Liang (1/2)
Chapter 750-Yan Liang
Translator: ryangohsf
Editor: Nora
”What is that?”
When they saw the P1 Type Cannon, the Alliance Army was stunned. The smooth lines on the body of the cannon, the cold metal sheen, and the exquisite cannon frame; it was totally different from the cannons that they had heard of.
The rumbling of cannon explosions arrived as a reply.
Zhang Han did not hesitate; he immediately ordered his troops to fire once the cannons were in position; it was a swift and deadly move.
The cannons formed a brilliant arc in the air, accurately striking the defending soldiers on the city wall before bursting apart. All of a sudden, the Alliance Army soldiers that had been mocking them were blown into pieces, creating a truly gory scene.
The embattlements on the city wall were also blown apart.
Unceasing cannon fire followed, sweeping through the entire city wall of the pass.
Blood and flesh flew around, and smoke bellowed.
The Alliance Army archers wanted to retaliate. Unfortunately for them, Zhang Han was prepared. Each cannon was protected by an entire unit of sword-shield soldiers, who used their shields to protect the cannoneer.
As for the cannon itself, it was totally unaffected by arrows.
Only arcuballistas and trebuchets could destroy the cannons. Unfortunately, their range could not be compared with the cannons.
Hence, the alliance army in the pass could only passively take the hits and could not do anything in return.
”General, we cannot go on like this!”
The Alliance Army did not even dare show their heads on the city wall. After suffering heavy causalities, their morale plummeted.
”Damn it, what devilish weapon is the enemy using?”
”Who cares what weapon it is? The enemy is obviously prepared to take down the pass.”
”Let them dream!”
”Why don't we charge out?” someone suggested.
”General, let me, I'll definitely kill those clowns.” A general requested to fight.
Witnessing the heavy casualties, the Alliance Army defending general could not sit still.
Speaking of which, this defending general could also be considered half a famous person. He was under Yuan Shao's camp during the Three Kingdoms Period - General Yan Liang. Yan Liang in history was truly killed by Guan Yu. However, in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he was more of a tragic character.
As the top general under Yuan Shao's camp, Yan Liang was famous for his courage and could not be underestimated.
A year ago, after taking down Guilin Prefecture, Chuanbei City-State and Xiangnan City-State had split the work.
Chuanbei City-State would be in charge of defending the west side Xuanwu Pass, and Xiangnan City-State was in charge of defending the newly built pass on the east that was opposite to the Withered Flower Pass.
Yan Liang was a general under West Gate Big Official. A month ago, he was sent here to be the pass defending general.
The current situation was obvious. If they did not destroy the cannons, they had no chance of victory at all.
Yan Liang was also a fierce general. He did not have any plans, so he listened to the words of his men. He gritted his teeth and decided to use the method he was best at, ”Fang Jin!”
”Present!”
A young general received the order and stepped out, filled with anticipation about the fight.
No matter if it was due to face or other considerations, the troops that the various territories sent to the Alliance Army were their best. Even if the generals they sent were not historical generals, they would be generals from the wilderness like Zhao Si Hu.
To fear before even fighting was not their style.
In their eyes, no matter how strong the enemy cannons were, the enemy only had eight of them. There was no reason a 50 thousand strong alliance army would be scared of just eight cannons, where would their face go if this news spread out.
Yan Liang ordered, ”Lead five thousand elite cavalry out of the city to break their cannons.”
Since it was a sneak attack, they could not send too many troops.
If five thousand cavalry were utilized well, it would be good enough to complete the mission.
From this order alone, one could see how experienced Yan Liang was.
”Yes!” Fang Jin cupped his fists, ”If I do not destroy the cannons, I'll give you my head.”
”Go!” Yan Liang waved him off.
Fang Jin nodded, turning his head and leaving.
...
Amongst the cannon noises, Fang Jin led five thousand elite cavalry and charged over.
When Zhang Han saw this move, a cold smile flashed across the corner of his mouth, ”I've been waiting for you!”
”Crossbowmen, get ready!”
With a 'Shua!' tens of thousands of crossbowmen suddenly appeared behind the sword-shield soldiers.
”Shoot!”
The moment the cavalry got into range, an arrow rain that covered the skies rained down.
All of a sudden, numerous bolts and arrows fired out, causing the cavalry and the enemy troops at the front to topple.
”Shoot again!”
After the first round, the cavalry had covered 50 to 60 meters.
The second row of crossbowmen received the order; this time, they shot straight instead.
Another round of insane firepower.