Chapter Nineteen: Ambush in the Willow Grove—A Surprise Attack Planned

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The Elm River, located about four li south of Mafang Village, flows from west to east. At this moment, the river surface is narrow, not yet frozen, and the water flows gently. However, the riverbed is extremely muddy, and the water is icy cold, making it inconvenient for both men and horses to wade across directly.

Directly opposite the village road of Mafang Village, spanning the river, there is a floating bridge. The bridge is narrow, wide enough for only one large cart to pass through. It was likely constructed by local gentry out of benevolence to facilitate travel.

At this time, over a hundred cavalrymen were slowly advancing along the north bank of the Elm River from west to east. They kept a distance of about one horse’s length between each other, trotting steadily eastward. Their hooves stepped on the slightly muddy but firm riverbank without making much noise. Even with more than a hundred fine horses moving simultaneously, there was barely any sound.

...

About four li north of Mafang Village, a modest road winds through a grove of willows. The willows are not very tall but stout, their branches and leaves turning yellow and sparse, fluttering down in the chilly late autumn wind. The ground beneath was already covered with a layer of dry fallen leaves.

On the east side of the road, within the willow grove, a dozen or so horses grazed leisurely on the withered grass deeper in the woods. Eight or nine robust men sat on the ground, clad in various armors; some even wore double-layered armor, appearing bulky. Some leaned against small trees, others sat atop large bundled packs. Nearby lay heavy weapons scattered about—clubs, hammers, long swords.

“A Ming dog patrol of over thirty riders — should we report back to the lord?” a dark-faced burly man spoke in the Dada language to another.

“Hmph, Bear, only thirty-some Ming dogs; what’s there to fear?” a burly man with a beard retorted, standing up. He was tall and imposing, shooting a fierce glare at the man called “Bear.”

Startled, the Qing cavalryman trembled and unconsciously rose to his feet as well.

“Everyone up! Get ready. When the Ming dogs come through here, we’ll ambush them.” Saying this, he cracked his back, bent down to pick up a large axe lying on the ground, propped it against a nearby tree, and continued in a low voice: “No matter how many Ming dogs there are, it’s useless. They charge and then break ranks, and when they scatter, we chase them down!”

“Ha ha… ha ha ha…”

This man was one of the two robust scouts stationed outside Mafang Village, responsible for scouting northward. Right now, they hid in the woods from the midday sun, only sending two cavalry scouts nearby. Those two, seeing more than thirty Ming cavalry galloping from afar, dared not approach and hurried back to report to their leader.

The Qing scout continued: “Wait for the front to pass, strike their center, then cut off the rear, finally work together to kill the Ming riders at the head…”

“Ten against thirty, we’ve got this. Everyone, get ready.” The Qing scout shouted.

“Yes, sir!” The others stood up and answered loudly.

“You four, take the horses a little deeper into the woods. Don’t let the Ming dogs detect any movement.” The scout ordered.

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Four Qing soldiers responded and trotted off, leading horses deeper into the woods. One of them had no helmet, his scalp shiny and bald except for a small patch at the back tied into a tiny braid that swung like a mouse’s tail as he walked.

The other Qing soldiers all stood and adjusted their armor, edging closer to the road, stopping about fifty or sixty steps away. They positioned their long weapons and prepared their bows and arrows, crouching low.

Two Qing cavalrymen carried handfuls of dry branches and leaves, moving steadily closer to the road...

The four Qing soldiers gathered their horses deeper in the woods, each leading three or four. They seemed to whisper to the warhorses, which then knelt simultaneously on the grassy ground. These Dada barbarians had survived by hunting and had long fought fiercely against Ming and Mongol forces alike. Their ferocity was matched by cunning. Now, like hunters waiting for prey, they lay in ambush for Zhang Guangda’s troops.

...

About five li west of Mafang, on the official road.

Zhang Cheng led his personal guard cavalry at the front, with scouts ahead and behind, riding straight toward Mafang Village. At a slightly elevated spot five li from the village, they encountered a group of Dada horse archers.

The official road was uniquely shaded by trees, especially valued during the Ming dynasty for its tree-lined avenues. Contemporary records noted: “The Ming official road, tens of zhang wide, lined on both sides with willows, interspersed with locust trees. Stretching over six hundred li, the ancient willows tower so high their shade covers the ground, allowing travelers to ride for miles without seeing the blazing sun.”

This shaded avenue stretched across the North Hebei plain like a giant dragon sprawling across the earth.

Although winter was approaching and the trees were nearly bare, many dry leaves still clung to the branches, fluttering down in the wind, continuing to block much of the sunlight as if the dragon’s shadow remained.

Zhang Cheng reacted swiftly, ordering the scouts behind to halt about fifty steps away and stand ready.

The opposing Dada numbered ten riders. Mounted, they gestured toward Zhang Cheng’s side, then slowly began to circle from about five hundred steps away, spacing about a step apart.

Zhang Cheng reined in his horse. Chen Zhong and twenty guards also stopped in unison. Their horses, panting after the recent run, snorted continuously.

Zhang Cheng shouted: “All attention! Stay calm and follow my orders. Today, we’ll teach these Dada a lesson. No more bullying our great Ming!”

“Yes!” the guards replied in unison.

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These guards were carefully selected, far beyond ordinary soldiers. Skilled in horsemanship and battle-tested, and behind them lay five hundred elite cavalry—a surprise for these Qing scouts!

“Guard squad, hold your muskets ready. When the Dada come within sixty steps, fire volleys,” Zhang Cheng ordered sternly.

“Guard squad, ready your muskets!” Captain Chen Zhong shouted, dismounting first.

With the clash of armor, twenty guards drew their matchlock muskets. Since they were scouting, their musket bags had been removed for quick access.

Chen Zhong rode beside Zhang Cheng, musket in hand. The rest of the guards lined up on both sides, forming a row.

“Listen carefully: horses are bigger than men. Aim for the Dada’s warhorses,” Zhang Cheng continued loudly.

Their warhorses were seasoned in battle and steadied firmly, held tightly by the riders’ legs, unmoving.

Zhang Cheng ordered a nearby guard: “Tell the scouts—front scouts on the left, rear scouts on the right. The left scouts hold center and wait. When the muskets fire, attack immediately.”

“Order Chen Zheng to take the front scouts from the north, Hu Dake the rear scouts from the south. Move off the road into the wheat fields, encircle left and right, and strike at once. We must annihilate them all—no Dada may escape,” Zhang Cheng continued.

“Understood!” The guard accepted the order, spurring his horse away at a trot to relay it.

Soon, nearly two hundred elite cavalry behind Zhang Cheng fanned out to the left and right in a crescent formation.

Zhang Cheng fixed his gaze on the ten approaching Dada scouts. Although few, their presence was imposing. He took a deep breath and commanded: “Chen Zhong, you command the guard squad. Don’t aim at the men, aim for their horses. Hold fire until within sixty steps, then volley. Anyone firing early will be punished.”

“Yes!” Captain Chen Zhong responded crisply.