Chapter Ninety-Seven: Encounter

“Karvayaka, why are we camping here? The Chinese military texts say that such terrain between canyons is the least suitable for troops to set up camp—both sides have high ground that could threaten us at any moment.”

“That’s the rule of the Chinese, but they are not skilled riders. If infantry were stationed here, the threat from both high grounds would indeed trouble them. But we are different. We are Tengri’s most favored children. The saddle is our home, and camping here makes no difference for us. There are sentries posted at both exits of Yin’ao Gorge; if we spot a large force of Chinese soldiers, we can mount up at once and break out from the other side. Or we can charge head-on against the incoming Chinese troops. I’ve hunted in these parts for many days now, and after careful observation, there’s no place more suitable for our cavalry to rest than here,” said the Turkic cavalry leader to the other Turkic rider.

“Karvayaka, you are the bravest warrior we all admire most. Your decisions are always wise and farsighted. I sincerely apologize for any offense caused by questioning your orders just now.” The Turkic cavalryman spoke with admiration after hearing his leader’s explanation.

“These Chinese are cunning. Earlier, they used tricks to split our mighty Turks into two tribes, East and West, who now view each other as enemies. Now that they’re embroiled in infighting, we must seize the chance to take revenge. For years, the people of the Central Plains have blockaded us, preventing us from acquiring large quantities of well-crafted arrows to hunt enough game. Every winter, many of our kin freeze or starve to death. Even we were forced to leave our warm homeland because of them, arriving in this barren, sand-swept land. Fortunately, we have now obtained enough prey.”

As the Turkic cavalry chief spoke, his gaze drifted toward his own tent, where several young women were still bound—the spoils from their raids on villages. The thought of those Chinese girls, so different from the fiery and straightforward Turkic women, gentle and soft as water, stirred a wicked fire in his belly, leaving him parched and breathing heavily.

The Turkic rider across from him noticed his leader’s demeanor and realized he was eager to sample the pleasures of the Chinese women in his tent, so he wisely withdrew. The Turkic leader, seeing his subordinate had left, could no longer contain himself and strode hastily into his tent. Pulling aside the curtain, he saw several young women bound hand and foot, covered only by a single wool blanket. The sight inflamed him further; he untied his belt, ready to act, when suddenly the voice of the same Turkic cavalryman rang out from outside:

“Karvayaka, something terrible has happened!”

Interrupted at such a moment, the Turkic leader was furious and, without getting up, shouted from within the tent, “Which idiot is yelling outside, ruining my good moment? What’s so terrible?”

The cavalryman outside heard the anger in his chief’s voice, but he knew he must deliver the news. Steeling himself, he continued, “Karvayaka, at the southeastern exit of Yin’ao Gorge, a large force of Chinese cavalry has been spotted. The sentry reports their numbers far exceed ours.”

“It’s just the Chinese army, why do you—” The Turkic leader was about to berate his subordinate for showing fear before the Chinese, but then he realized the army mentioned was cavalry. He quickly stood, tied his belt, and lifted the curtain, asking, “Did you say Chinese cavalry?”

“Yes, Karvayaka. Chinese cavalry, many of them, more than us,” replied the Turkic cavalryman respectfully.

“Order our warriors to pack up camp and head northwest. In the northern desert, we have the advantage and can easily rout this Chinese cavalry.” The Turkic leader gave his command.

But before his subordinate could relay the order, another sentry arrived, reporting that a large force of Chinese cavalry had also been spotted at the northwestern exit of Yin’ao Gorge.

Upon hearing this, the Turkic leader’s expression changed. He weighed the situation carefully and then ordered, “Warriors, follow me and break out from the southeastern exit. Head toward Guazhou and seek shelter with Li Gui’s army.”

At that moment, the Fourth Legion commanded by Li Wenyuan was blocking the Turkic cavalry at both the southeastern and northwestern exits of Yin’ao Gorge. The northwest force was led by Wudelu, while Li Wenyuan himself commanded the troops at the southeast. Li Wenyuan knew well the Turks’ superb riding skills; if he did not use the natural advantage of Yin’ao Gorge to trap them, annihilating the entire cavalry force would be nothing but a fantasy. So, near the gorge, he and Wudelu split their forces, selecting the fastest horses from the Fourth Legion for Wudelu to lead on a detour to block the northwest exit.

Scouts had reported that indeed a large force of Turkic cavalry was inside the gorge, packing up their camp, seemingly aware of his advance. Li Wenyuan nodded, then unstrapped a pistol from his chest. Turning to the cavalry behind him, he said, “Men, when we charge in a moment, empty all four pistols you carry, then draw your sabers and fight them head-on. Show the Fourth Legion’s might, so that these arrogant Turks will always steer clear of our banners from now on.” With that, he spurred his horse, leading his cavalry toward the Turkic force within Yin’ao Gorge.

Meanwhile, the Turkic cavalry inside the gorge had finished breaking camp and mounted their horses. Just as they assembled, they heard the thunder of hooves echoing through the canyon. The Turkic leader drew his saber and called out, “Since these Chinese wish to challenge us to a cavalry duel, let’s teach them what real cavalry is. Let’s give these arrogant Chinese, victorious in just a few battles, a proper lesson.”

(End of chapter)