Iron Dynasty Chapter 1018

“Your Majesty truly has foresight.”

Sighing over the cautionary words in the telegram, Qi Guangyi reflected deeply.

Feng Dongjin's face displayed an unusual expression; at moments like this, he genuinely believed the reigning Emperor held boundless knowledge and power. “Commander, what's our plan from here? Dolgor stands right before us. Do we simply withdraw?”

Pale-faced upon hearing those words, Gubat realized retreat was impossible. Should Qi Guangyi and his men depart as well, his only path would lead straight to demise.

Gazing back at his surviving tribesmen, Gubat dropped to his knees abruptly. “General Qi, please rescue us. Cossack cavalry trails us closely from the rear. Should they overtake us, our entire tribe faces annihilation.”

“Cossack cavalry pursues you?” Doubt flickered in Qi Guangyi's voice. “Dolgor surely knows we're close to Tian Shan. Does he not fear a clash with our forces?”

Helplessness tinged Gubat's tone. “During the Battle of Yakutsk, I turned against a Tsarist Russian officer. They harbor intense hatred toward me now. That's exactly why Dolgor has shown ongoing discontent since my return from Yakutsk. It's the reason I chose to aid you. This time, Tsarist Russia dispatched Cossack cavalry themselves—one purpose to support Dolgor, the other likely to eliminate me, as they treat defectors with utmost brutality.”

Qi Guangyi's gaze shifted quickly, then he shared a look with Feng Dongjin. “So, where is this Cossack force at present?”

The reputation of the Cossacks had reached his ears, sparking curiosity about the horsemen who instilled fear in barbarians.

This encounter might force him into direct confrontation with the Cossack cavalry.

Unlike Qi Guangyi's eager battle readiness, Feng Dongjin's thoughts turned more cautious and detailed. He pressed further, “Eliminating you could be part of it, yet the Cossack cavalry aren't idiots. They wouldn't chase you this far without cause.”

Shaking his head, Gubat replied, “You misunderstand Cossacks completely. They're elite light cavalry, swift in their movements. Even facing you, they could slip away with ease.”

Qi Guangyi gave a nod, aligning with his prior intelligence. After brief contemplation, he declared, “Then we'll confront them head-on.”

“We could strike the Cossack forces unexpectedly right away, before they sense our presence. An ideal ambush spot would make it flawless,” Feng Dongjin suggested.

“An ambush spot exists,” Gubat responded with excitement. His greatest worry was Qi Guangyi's indifference. Eagerly, he added, “Southwest lies a broad valley flanked by woodlands on either side—perfect for setting a trap.”

The reconnaissance captain from the hunter cavalry spoke up then. “Correct, such a location does exist. With Gubat drawing them in, we could launch a classic ambush.”

Hearing he'd serve as lure, Gubat's features twisted briefly. Yet, after pondering, he clenched his teeth and vowed, “To demonstrate my genuine loyalty, I'll rally my leftover cavalry and advance to engage the foe.”

Gubat had grasped his lack of alternatives. Lacking the Empire's shelter, he'd end up as nothing more than a homeless wanderer.

“Excellent. Now, let's outline our strategy. Gubat, you'll guide your men to draw the Cossack army into the trap. We'll position ourselves to strike from the flanking woods using carbines and grenades first. Next, we'll envelop them from ahead and behind, wiping out the chasing Cossack cavalry in a decisive blow.”

Joy illuminated Gubat's face. “What a flawless scheme this is.”

Smiles crossed Qi Guangyi and Feng Dongjin's lips. “In that case, you'll handle gathering their heads.”

Once the plan was set and a short rest taken, Gubat assembled his riders and moved back along their previous route. Meanwhile, Qi Guangyi and Feng Dongjin directed the rifle cavalry toward the designated valley.

The site described by the hunter cavalry formed a constricted valley stretching over ten li—about five kilometers—and spanning more than three hundred meters across. It stood as just one among many such features carved by the Tian Shan range's geological rise.

Upon arriving at the valley, Feng Dongjin stated, “Commander, the mounted troops are under your command. I'll take a contingent to go on foot and conceal ourselves in the woods on both flanks for the ambush.”

“Agreed. I'll take the cavalry around to the far side for the rear assault.” Saying so, Qi Guangyi guided his horsemen beyond the valley's opposite edge. Over twenty thousand riders lay in silent anticipation of the impending clash.

As Qi Guangyi departed, Feng Dongjin surveyed the terrain, seeking optimal vantage points for his men's carbine volleys.

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

Meanwhile, Gubat quickly met the persistent Cossack pursuers. Recalling his slain tribesmen, rage and bitterness surged within him.

“Kill!”

Gubat's roar erupted fiercely. His twenty thousand cavalry advanced in disciplined formation against the Cossacks. Simulating a rout demanded skill; a poor act might alert the enemy. A botched pretense could spell genuine disaster, leaving Gubat tense inside. Yet, envisioning the Cossacks' ruthless massacre of innocents, he refused to hold back.

The Cossack riders hadn't anticipated Gubat's bold return. In momentary chaos, they dispersed wildly, but the barbarian horsemen proved swifter. Blood sprayed upward as Gubat's blade sliced through a Cossack's neck.

“Kill!” The barbarian cavalry thundered into the Cossack ranks. Mounts smashed into mounts, riders clashed with riders. The sudden assault left the Cossacks reeling. For a while, their cries of agony echoed alone.

Yet the lopsided carnage didn't endure. The trailing Cossack forces swiftly reformed, unsheathed sabers, and countercharged at Gubat's men.

Simultaneously, gunfire cracked repeatedly. Cossack riders pulled their stubby guns and unleashed shots.

Casualties mounted among Gubat's followers.

“Banner head, we should withdraw now,” a subordinate urged Gubat at that juncture.

“No, we need to clash properly. The Cossacks' sly nature means a mere fake pullback would tip them off.”

This Cossack commander's name was Kasimov. In the skirmish, Gubat noted Kasimov's extreme wariness. A basic feint surely wouldn't fool him.

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

Just then, Kasimov's Cossack squadron was likewise regrouping.

“Kill!” Teeth grinding, Gubat bellowed. His cavalry swept forward like a relentless wave against the Cossacks. Facing their bitter foes, hatred blazed in their stares. Still, Gubat adhered to the plan. He plunged into the fray, battled intensely, displayed clear weakening, and finally wheeled away.