106 - One Last Battle
Report! A vast army is gathering across the river. They're responding to our military build up near Jibei.
Remind me to reprimand Viceroy Alkeides for not crossing the river.
He is probably creating an opening for you, Your Majesty. With that much force amassed against Jibei, Yuan Shang cannot muster the same number should you cross the river from Puyang.
Well then, what are we waiting for? Time to repay the favor!
Yuan Shang is leading an army up ahead!
This is fate! Prepare for battle!
Father, please protect our clan in their our of need!
They have a slight disadvantage in numbers, but there's only two units on our side: me and you.
Fear not, our mounted army can outrun them all day, and the narrow terrain favors mobility.
And I have THIS!
AiiieeeeeE!
Tian Feng, what is this explosive attack?!
I know not, my lord! But we must retreat to the camp before we burn to death!
They cower in their main camp.
Let them. Our reinforcements are coming.
And bunching up together in tight space only makes it easier for me. Flame burst arrows, AWAY!
Okay, you are seriously making me jealous right now!
We can't stay like this forever! Charge!
Fall back.
Get a siege tower up. Here.
Stop them! Advance!
FIRE!
Give us a chance to shine as well, Your Majesty!
More will come. It's over, Yuan Shang!
This is no good, we're being decimated en masse... wait for reinforcements!
Good. Let's settle this now!
Yuan Shang fought valiantly, but his unit dwindled and eventually routed.
Father, I've brought shame to the clan!
The Yuan Army's morale collapsed and their situation is about to get worse. Flames broke out, forcing them to back away. As they wait for the flames to die down, a familiar enemy unit would fearlessly charge forward again into their formation.
We're too close together! SCATTER!
(Heavens, what must I do? We're dying like dogs!)
Both armies brought more reinforcements, but in Yuan Army's case it's just more lambs to the slaughter. The narrow valley offered little maneuvering room and the flames spread quickly through the northern forests.
They continued to back away from the oncoming flames, eventually cornering themselves into their main camp.
It's Shi Difen! His unit is taunting us! Engage!
Come closer so I can send all of you to hell!
Amazingly they pressed on, once again laying siege on the small Xia Army's outpost.
So disappointing!
Eventually the Yuan Army wised up and attempted to take two other paths to the Xia Army's main camp.
Zhao Yun's attack group took massive damage, while Yuan Tan's men were bogged down in the forested path.
Emerging from the thick forests, they were rewarded with the fearsome sight of the Xia Army's famed general.
We're done for.
Throwing caution to the wind, Zhao Yun ordered another desperate charge.
Just another desperate display of heroics. Push them back!
Let me at 'em!
Not even the hills can provide cover from the fearsome fire attack.
Fire the flasks over the hills!
It can't be!
Wheeeee! More fireworks! Send them all to hell!
Let's get this over with!
There was no hope for the defenders.
Victories were reported elsewhere, Lu Bu's force emerging triumphant from a naval engagement, albeit with heavy losses.
Over 500,000 casualties were reported in both sides in a span of few months.
The Yuan Army is bloodied and near its end. Only a miracle can save them now.
It's only a matter of time. Their garrisons are almost depleted. What's wrong? You look disappointed.
I can't help but feel bored.
Don't say that! Think of all the sacrifices the soldiers on both sides have made!
(I shouldn't have betrayed Cao Mengde.)
Two months later, the Yuan Army expresses their willingness to negotiate.
And the Emperor marches into Beiping on Feb 205 AD to demand a formal declaration of surrender.
None of his advisors and generals objected.
You've made the right choice.
Please treat us fairly, Your Majesty.
Long live the Emperor!
Long live the Xia Dynasty!
You've done it, Your Majesty.. Let us escort you back to Puyang!
Yes, onward to Puyang!
Weeks later...
Yuan Shang fought valiantly, but his unit dwindled and eventually routed.
The Yuan Army's morale collapsed and their situation is about to get worse. Flames broke out, forcing them to back away. As they wait for the flames to die down, a familiar enemy unit would fearlessly charge forward again into their formation.
Both armies brought more reinforcements, but in Yuan Army's case it's just more lambs to the slaughter. The narrow valley offered little maneuvering room and the flames spread quickly through the northern forests.
They continued to back away from the oncoming flames, eventually cornering themselves into their main camp.
Amazingly they pressed on, once again laying siege on the small Xia Army's outpost.
Eventually the Yuan Army wised up and attempted to take two other paths to the Xia Army's main camp.
Zhao Yun's attack group took massive damage, while Yuan Tan's men were bogged down in the forested path.
Emerging from the thick forests, they were rewarded with the fearsome sight of the Xia Army's famed general.
Throwing caution to the wind, Zhao Yun ordered another desperate charge.
Not even the hills can provide cover from the fearsome fire attack.
There was no hope for the defenders.
Victories were reported elsewhere, Lu Bu's force emerging triumphant from a naval engagement, albeit with heavy losses.
Over 500,000 casualties were reported in both sides in a span of few months.
The Yuan Army is bloodied and near its end. Only a miracle can save them now.
Two months later, the Yuan Army expresses their willingness to negotiate.
And the Emperor marches into Beiping on Feb 205 AD to demand a formal declaration of surrender.
None of his advisors and generals objected.
Weeks later...
