Chapter 82: The first female general of the Han Dynasty, the White Spear Army defeated the Black Mountain Army in the first battle!
There is a Black Wind Village on the Black Mountain.

This is one of the temporary nests of the Montenegrin Army.

Although they are called "Black Mountain Bandits", General Zhang Yan does have his strengths.

The "Black Mountain Bandits" have been built into a large-scale army model and can now be called the "Black Mountain Army".

"Report——"

A messenger came to report, "General, a spy from Henei County has brought urgent news. It seems that the court has dispatched a large army, and the purpose is unknown!"

"We should go to deal with Yuan Shao. Order the brothers to stop the imperial army. Remember not to engage in direct combat. Focus on guerrilla warfare and harassment..."

Zhang Yan immediately deployed his troops and the messenger retreated after receiving the order.

Soon Zhang Yan looked at the many officers and soldiers of the Black Mountain Army, who were previously called leaders but were now changed to military ranks.

"Yuan Shao wants to use salt to wage an economic war. Is there anything we can profit from?"

Zhang Yan actually already had some thoughts in mind, but he still wanted to gather everyone's wisdom and work together.

"General, don't we have a salt mine near Black Mountain? We can also make salt and sell it. We don't have to hand over all the harvest to Yuan Shao, we can keep it ourselves!"

"This is a great plan!"

Everyone deeply agreed.

"No!"

Zhang Yan shook his head and said:

"The salt in the salt mine is poisonous. We have tried every possible way to purify the toxin, but we cannot do so. If it is put on the market, it will poison the people."

It’s not that Zhang Yan is too moral, but there are many families among his Black Mountain Army who have settled in the local area. If their family members are harmed, wouldn’t that be like picking up sesame seeds and losing watermelons?
Moreover, selling salt requires sales channels.

The Yuan family and their aristocratic families control these sales channels, but their Black Mountain Army does not.

"General, how can we profit?"

Zhang Yan then said:

"We can collect tolls and even exploit the passing trade. Black Mountain guards the area between Jizhou and Henei County, and even spreads to the Yellow River. The geographical location is important.

“Whether it’s by land or water, we can block them. This is a checkpoint that can bring us endless profits!
"Because Yuan Shao needs us to hold back the troops from Henei, he doesn't dare to ask too much of us. This means we can interfere with the trade between Guandong and the capital!"

Everyone's eyes suddenly lit up!
The trade between Kanto and the capital, this sales channel, generates astronomical figures every day!
In the past, the Black Mountain Army did not dare to intervene because the imperial court’s troops would send out troops to levy troops at any time. The imperial court’s troops could not attack Black Mountain, but the Black Mountain Army could not even think of leaving the mountain.

But now it’s different, they have Yuan Shao to rely on!

After all the leaders unanimously agreed, Zhang Yan ordered the construction of "Heishan Pass" and prepared to set up a private checkpoint to block trade.

This "Black Mountain Pass" was mobile, that is, when the imperial court sent troops to collect taxes, they would immediately close the pass. When the imperial court found it difficult to suppress and close the troops, they would go out again to collect taxes.

What we want is concealment and mobility!
As for whether the imperial court would mobilize an army specifically to conquer them, Zhang Yan was sure that it was impossible!
Because the imperial court is now at war everywhere and has no extra energy to deal with the Black Mountain bandits.

...

I have to say that Zhang Yan’s abilities are actually outstanding.

Zhang Yan's original name was Chu Yan. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he gathered a group of young men as bandits, fought in the mountains and rivers, and eventually won over nearly 10,000 people.

What kind of leadership and management skills are these?!
Later, he joined forces with Zhang Niujiao and became the Black Mountain Bandits. After Zhang Niujiao was killed in battle, he changed his name to "Zhang Yan" in order to repay his gratitude. At the same time, he also wanted to win over the hearts of the people and buy over Zhang Niujiao's former subordinates.

This is a politician!

At this point, Zhang Yan became the leader of the Black Mountain bandits. His troops gradually grew in size, reaching a million people at their peak and were known as the "Black Mountain Army."

This is a terrifying command ability!

Liu Bang once discussed the talents of various generals with Han Xin.

Liu Bang asked, "How many soldiers can I lead?" Han Xin replied, "Your Majesty can only lead 100,000 men."

Liu Bang asked, "What about you?" Han Xin replied, "Like me, the more the better."

Wanting to lead as many soldiers as possible requires a very terrifying commander's ability. The eating, drinking, defecating, urinating and sleeping of the soldiers under his command all need to be taken care of!

Even if it was just an exaggeration that Zhang Yan commanded a million "Black Mountain Army", the fact that he was able to command an army of 100,000 was enough to prove his outstanding command ability!
And Zhang Yan is also brave and resourceful!
All the counties and prefectures north of the Yellow River were invaded by the Black Mountain Army, but the imperial court was unable to send troops to encircle and suppress them.

So Zhang Yan sent an envoy to the capital Luoyang to write a letter to the court asking for surrender. Emperor Ling of Han then appointed Zhang Yan as the General of the Central Army to Suppress Rebellions. After surrendering, he rebelled again.

Later, Zhang Yan participated in the meeting of princes and the dispute between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan. Later, Yuan Shao and Lu Bu joined forces, but they failed to eliminate Zhang Yan and both won and lost. In the end, he actually lived a peaceful old age in Cao Wei, and his son inherited the title.

Even if Cao Cao was a patient with advanced paranoia, the fact that he did this was enough to prove Zhang Yan's outstanding political ability!

This is an outstanding politician and military strategist!

But things happen unexpectedly, and people are subject to misfortunes at any time. This time, Zhang Yan guessed wrong about the military movements of the imperial court!

They are not going to deal with Yuan Shao, their target is Montenegro!
"Report!"

This time, the messenger came in a hurry and reported: "General, the imperial army is heading straight for Black Mountain, and the front-line sentries and scouts have been quickly eliminated!"

"what?!"

Zhang Yan was somewhat surprised. At a time when the country was in turmoil and wars were going on everywhere, the imperial court still had the time to care about the Black Mountain Army? !

Of course, it was an accident, but Zhang Yan immediately ordered: "Hurry up!"

This is because they realized that the momentum was not right and decided to temporarily withdraw.

This is a very clever tactic to avoid the enemy's attack!
But this time, the court is serious!
There are Heishan and its Taihang Mountains, which are rich in coal resources. There is also a large salt mine in Heishan that can be put into use directly.

Also, because Black Mountain occupies an important geographical location, when the Henei army was fighting against Yuan Shao of Jizhou, the Black Mountain bandits would harass from time to time, like a thorn in the eye.

Of course, the most important point is that Liu Bian drew a mountain combat force - 5,000 White Spear Army, and the female general Qin Liangyu!

All these conditions combined finally made Liu Bian determined to wipe out this group of Black Mountain bandits!
...

At the foot of Black Mountain.

Under the guidance of Wang Kuang, the governor of Hanoi, Wang Fang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard disguised as Baihu, led the Xiliang army to Heishan.

Next to Wang Fang is a heroic female general, riding a horse and leading an army with strange weapons.

The white-pole spears held by this army are made of a long pole made of solid white wood, with a hook with a blade on the top and a hard iron ring at the bottom. During combat, the hook can be used for chopping and pulling, and the ring can be used as a hammer weapon and can also be used for rock climbing, making it very suitable for mountain warfare.

This is the famous "White Spear Army" in history.

Due to long-term rigorous mountain training, the White Spear Army was very adept at mountain warfare and often dealt the enemy unexpected blows.

The Baigan Army participated in many battles in history, including Pingbo, Pingshe, Aiding Liao, and Fighting against Qing, and won great merits.

For example, in the Battle of Pingbo, the White Rod Army dealt a surprise blow to the rebels, which frightened them. In the Battle of Aid to Liao, the White Rod Army also showed strong combat effectiveness and made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

Commander Qin Liangyu is even more of a heroine. She is the only female general in history who was listed as a famous general of the dynasty and was recorded in a separate biography in the official history of generals and ministers!
Qin Liangyu was born in Zhongzhou, Sichuan, and was a native Miao girl. However, as can be seen from her name, the Qin family had been sinicized for many years and was an official who helped the Ming Dynasty govern the local Miao people. This background made Qin Liangyu receive education since childhood.

Qin Liangyu has both the culture and patriotism of the Han people and the ferocity and martial spirit of the Miao people. Her basic configuration is to be both civil and military.

Her two brothers, Qin Bangping and Qin Banghan, were not as good as her, which made Qin's old father sigh: "It's a pity that you are not a man."

Qin Liangyu smiled cheerfully: "Let my son take charge of the army, my lady, the women's army is not worth mentioning."

...

There is no need to mention Qin Liangyu's military achievements in official history. She was a brilliant female general and a heroine!

And when Liu Bian "summons" her to the Han Dynasty, she will shine with her own unique light and write a legendary war record!
And this battle against the Montenegrin Army will be her debut!

...

After Wang Kuang explained the origins of the Black Mountain Army, their fighting intentions with the imperial officers and soldiers, and their preferred fighting methods, Wang Fang looked at the female general:

"General Qin, mountain warfare is what you are good at. What do you think?"

Bai Hu, disguised as "Wang Fang", did not know Qin Liangyu and the White Spear Army under her command.

But since Your Majesty said that Qin Liangyu is a heroine and the White Spear Army is a special force for mountain warfare, they believe it without a doubt!
This is loyalty to the emperor!
Qin Liangyu's current position is the Infantry Sima, ranking below the Cavalry Captain 'Wang Fang', but Your Majesty has made an exception and let her command 5,000 White Spear Army, worthy of the title of "General"!
Qin Liangyu was not hypocritical and modest. She spoke frankly without any girlish shyness:
"The reason why the imperial court was unable to destroy the Black Mountain Army was mainly because the Black Mountain Army relied on the geographical advantage. The Black Mountain is majestic and dangerous, with winding roads and rugged cliffs.

"They are familiar with the geographical environment. When the imperial army came to suppress them, they avoided their sharp edge. When the imperial army relaxed, they attacked again.

“As one grows, the other declines, making it difficult to eliminate.

"We can continue this combat routine, engage them first, and show that the suppression is just as difficult as usual, as if it is just a replay of previous suppressions, so as to relax the guard of the bandits.

“But it’s just a feint!
"Let the White Spear Army climb up the cliffs from behind and launch the main attack, which will definitely catch them by surprise.

"At this time, the feint attacking troops can also switch to the main attack, attacking from the front and back!"

...

Wang Fang listened quietly, and in his heart he had a higher opinion of Qin Liangyu's ability to command troops and fight.

Although she is a girl, she is very experienced and seems to be an expert in marching and fighting, especially in mountain warfare, and has unique insights.

Wang Fang and Wang Kuang looked at each other, and they both seemed to have the same idea, and their eyes subconsciously lit up.

This is because they were amazed by Qin Liangyu's shining points!

"Just follow what General Qin said."

Following the example of their superiors, they immediately launched strategic plans and tactical attacks.

Of course, since the Xiliang troops under Wang Fang were mostly cavalry, Wang Kuang led the Henei officers and soldiers in this feint attack.

They launched a mountain-searching attack on Montenegro, eliminating many of its sentries and scouts, and even encircled and suppressed a front-line force.

However, overall, the results were not significant.

As time went by, the officers and soldiers began to complain, as they naturally did not know the combat tactics of the higher-ups.

The weather in July now is very hot. There is miasma everywhere in the Black Mountain and there are lots of snakes, rats, insects, ants, flies and mosquitoes.

Also, because it was a battle between two armies, they did not dare to take off their armor to dissipate heat, and their entire bodies were wrapped in armor, which caused them to have prickly heat.

If the results are great, they can also look forward to military merits and achievements.

But the Montenegrin Army was scattered, with only a few scattered individuals, and thousands of officers and soldiers were not enough to go around!
This greatly dampened the enthusiasm of the officers and soldiers!
The Montenegrin army has been watching all of this.

"These officers and soldiers are so spoiled that they want to come and attack our Black Mountain Army? They are just dreaming!"

"The late emperor sent troops to encircle and suppress them, but in the end, they were fooled by us. Because it was difficult to put out the enemy, the leader even asked for a General to Suppress the Rebellion!"

"The officers and soldiers have begun to complain. We can prepare to take action."

"..."

Many small leaders of the Montenegrin Army have become eager to try and decided to attack the officers and soldiers head-on.

But the great leader Zhang Yan did not relax his vigilance and kept observing the movements of the officers and soldiers, even the cavalry units such as "Wang Fang" at the foot of the mountain.

Zhang Yan made inquiries and confirmed that Wang Fang's men were all cavalrymen who were not good at mountain warfare. He finally felt a little relieved!

At this time, the scouts sent a message: "General, the officers and soldiers are retreating!"

"The enemy retreats, I advance!"

Zhang Yan thought about it and gave the order decisively.

The Montenegrin army immediately gathered together from their scattered state and harassed the officers and soldiers.

However, the Black Mountain Army and even the officers and soldiers did not know that while they were fighting, Qin Liangyu had already led the White Spear Army and climbed up the cliffs from behind.

Due to long-term rigorous mountain training, the White Spear Army is very adept at mountain warfare.

This allowed them to sneak up behind the Montenegrin Army!
However, at this time, the officers and soldiers retreated too quickly and the Black Mountain Army chased too urgently. By the time the White Spear Army approached, they had already found nothing!
But Qin Liangyu did not panic, nor did she order a pursuit. Instead, she ordered the White Spear Army to prepare in secret.

Sure enough, soon Wang Fang led the Xiliang Army to join the battle. Although they were cavalry, they were so powerful that the morale of the officers and soldiers under Wang Kuang was so high that they had to launch a surprise attack!

"The wind is blowing!!!"

The Montenegrin Army retreated decisively again, and was able to avoid the enemy's sharp edge by defeating the elite guerrilla warfare forces.

This was repeated several times, and when the officers and soldiers were exhausted, they launched another powerful attack.

Just this time.

"kill!--"

After the Black Mountain Army retreated, they ran into the White Spear Army that had been lying in ambush.

This caught the Montenegrin army off guard.

Who would have thought that a group of enemy soldiers would suddenly appear from the place where they were hiding just now? !

Where did these enemy troops come from? !
There were cliffs all around, how did they appear?!

This immediately shocked the Montenegrin army and shook their morale!
"kill!--"

When the officers and soldiers from behind came to attack, the Montenegrin Army became even more panicked!
Being attacked from all sides with no way to retreat in front and pursuers behind, even an elite army may not be able to respond in time, let alone the Black Mountain Army.

Being attacked from both sides, the Montenegrin Army was immediately defeated!

Even the leader Zhang Yan was defeated and captured alive by Qin Liangyu!
In this first battle, the White Spear Army won a great victory, and Qin Liangyu made her debut on the military stage of the Han Dynasty!
This is the first female general of the Han Dynasty so far!

……

(End of this chapter)