Iron Dynasty Chapter 1018

“Your Majesty truly has foresight.”

Upon reading the cautionary telegram, Qi Guangyi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Feng Dongjin's face showed an odd expression; at times, he genuinely believed the reigning Emperor possessed all-knowing and all-powerful abilities. “Commander, what’s our next move? Dolgor lies right ahead. Are we simply abandoning the pursuit?”

Hearing these words, Gubat's complexion drained of color. Returning empty-handed was impossible for him now. Should Qi Guangyi and his men withdraw as well, his only path would lead straight to doom.

Gazing at the surviving members of his tribe trailing behind, Gubat abruptly dropped to his knees. He pleaded, “General Qi, please rescue us. A Cossack cavalry force is hot on our heels. Should they overtake us, our entire tribe faces total annihilation.”

“A Cossack cavalry is pursuing you?” Qi Guangyi expressed some doubt. He remarked, “Dolgor surely knows we're close to Tian Shan. Doesn't he fear clashing with our forces?”

Gubat felt a touch of helplessness. He explained, “During the Battle of Yakutsk, I turned against a Tsarist Russian officer. They must despise me intensely by now. That's exactly why Dolgor has harbored resentment toward me ever since my return from Yakutsk. It's also the reason I chose to aid you. On this occasion, Tsarist Russia dispatched Cossack cavalry themselves—one purpose to support Dolgor, the other likely to eliminate me, as Tsarist Russia shows no mercy to those who defect.”

Qi Guangyi's gaze flickered thoughtfully, then he shared a look with Feng Dongjin. He inquired, “So, where exactly is this Cossack army at present?”

He had come across the term Cossack before and felt intrigued by the cavalry that instilled fear in the barbarians.

This encounter might force him to confront the Cossack cavalry directly.

While Qi Guangyi brimmed with eager resolve, Feng Dongjin's sharper mind probed further. He questioned, “Eliminating you could be part of it, but the Cossack cavalry aren't idiots. They wouldn't have cause to keep chasing you all the way here without reason.”

Gubat shook his head firmly. He stated, “You misunderstand the Cossacks entirely. They're elite light cavalry, incredibly swift on their feet. Even if they ran into you, they could slip away with ease.”

Qi Guangyi gave a nod, aligning with his own knowledge. After brief contemplation, he declared, “Very well, then we'll face them head-on.”

Feng Dongjin suggested, “We could strike the Cossack army unexpectedly right now, before they realize our presence. It would be ideal with a prime spot for an ambush.”

“Such a spot exists,” Gubat responded with excitement. His greatest fear was Qi Guangyi turning a blind eye to him. He added hastily, “To the southwest lies a broad valley flanked by dense woods on either side—perfect for setting up an ambush.”

At that moment, the hunter cavalry captain tasked with scouting confirmed, “He's correct; that location does exist. If Gubat draws them into the valley, we can launch a proper ambush assault.”

The idea of serving as bait made Gubat's face shift uncomfortably. Yet, after pausing to consider, he clenched his teeth and affirmed, “To demonstrate my genuine loyalty in surrendering, I'll rally my leftover cavalry immediately and confront the enemy myself.”

Gubat had realized he possessed no alternatives. Lacking the Empire's shelter, he'd be nothing more than a wandering outcast.

“Excellent. Now, let's outline our strategy. Gubat, you'll direct your forces to draw the Cossack army into the trap. We'll position our troops to strike from the surrounding woods using carbines and grenades at first. Following that, we'll envelop them from both ends, wiping out the chasing Cossack forces in a decisive blow.”

Joy illuminated Gubat's features. He exclaimed, “What a flawless scheme this is.”

Qi Guangyi and Feng Dongjin exchanged grins. They replied, “In that case, you'll handle gathering their heads.”

Once the plan was settled and a short rest taken, Gubat assembled his riders and set off back the way they had fled. Meanwhile, Qi Guangyi and Feng Dongjin guided the rifle cavalry toward the designated valley for the ambush.

The valley described by the scouts stretched over ten li—roughly five kilometers—in length, exceeding three hundred meters in width. It formed just one of many such features carved by the rising Tian Shan mountains.

Upon arriving at the valley, Feng Dongjin proposed, “Commander, the mounted troops are under your command. I'll take some men, have them dismount, and conceal ourselves in the woods along both flanks for the ambush.”

“Agreed. I'll take the cavalry around to the far side for the rear assault.” With those words, Qi Guangyi directed his horsemen to the opposite end of the valley. Over twenty thousand riders lay in wait silently for the clash to unfold.

As Qi Guangyi departed, Feng Dongjin surveyed the terrain, seeking optimal vantage points for effective carbine shooting.

Next, he stationed more than ten thousand troops in spots offering clear lines of sight, ready for Gubat's signal.

Meanwhile, Gubat soon crossed paths with the persistent Cossack pursuers. Recalling his slain tribesmen's fates, rage and bitterness surged within him.

“Kill!”

Gubat bellowed in fury. His twenty thousand cavalry advanced in disciplined formation against the Cossacks. Simulating a retreat demanded skill; anything less than convincing might alert the foe. A botched fake could spell genuine disaster, leaving Gubat tense inside. But the memory of Cossack atrocities against innocents fueled his resolve beyond endurance.

The Cossack riders hadn't anticipated Gubat's bold return. In their momentary disarray, they dispersed wildly, yet the barbarian horsemen closed in faster. Blood sprayed upward as Gubat's blade sliced through a Cossack's neck.

“Kill!” The barbarian cavalry pressed the assault on their foes. Steeds smashed into steeds, warriors clashed with warriors. The sudden onslaught left the Cossacks reeling. For a stretch, only their agonized cries echoed through the air.

Yet the initial rout didn't persist. The trailing Cossack forces swiftly reformed, unsheathed their blades, and countered Gubat's men.

Concurrently, gunfire erupted steadily. The Cossacks unholstered their compact pistols and unleashed volleys.

Casualties mounted among Gubat's tribesmen.

“Banner head, we should withdraw now,” urged one of his officers at that juncture.

“No, we need to clash properly. The Cossacks' shrewdness means a mere pretense would tip them off.”

This Cossack detachment's leader, Kasimov, proved exceptionally wary upon engagement, as Gubat soon learned. A basic fake pullback would undoubtedly spark doubt.

“Form up!” Gubat ordered. Post-charge, he rapidly reorganized his cavalry lines.

Simultaneously, a Cossack squadron regrouped under Kasimov's direction.

“Kill!” Gubat snarled through gritted teeth. His riders swept forward like a relentless wave against the Cossacks. Here, they faced mortal adversaries, hatred blazing in their stares. Still, Gubat adhered to the plan. After plunging into the fray and battling with waning strength, he signaled retreat.

[Translator’s Note]

Check my another translation project:

Title: Bloodstained Soldier. On Yuanling Planet, due to a food and oil crisis, the various nations that had not experienced large-scale war for a hundred years suddenly erupted into conflict. Tens of billions of civilians were swept into the war. As an Earthling, Hu Hao transmigrated for the second time. He originally intended to travel the world, but war broke out instead.