Chapter 199: The Tiger Pouncing on the Sheep (Part 1)

Two minutes after Jeken gave the order, the entire infantry battalion had taken up combat formation, and this flawlessly coordinated war machine plunged into a bloody struggle. Though it had many shortcomings and fell short compared to some of the best armies of the era, it was still the strongest force on the East Asian continent. Having been tempered by battles against France, it boasted the finest officers and soldiers.

Jeken didn’t need to mobilize them much, nor did he require overly detailed battle plans. Once he made up his mind, the entire battalion operated efficiently and launched their attack.

“Second Platoon of the First Company, take charge of the frontal attack…”
“Order the mortars to open suppressive fire…”
“Third Company…”

Although they numbered only 500 soldiers, they still possessed tremendous impact when deployed. The Qing army on the other side was no less fierce, responding to the Black Flag Army’s attack with a barrage of gunfire.

The false guise of peace was shattered, and true combat ensued. Jeken could smell the strong scent of gunpowder, with countless white-gray clouds and orange flames in the distance. It was a truly magnificent sight—thousands of weapons, from Krupp artillery to rifles, were firing. The Qing army had grasped the true power of American Van Fleet ammunition. They didn’t care how far away the enemy was or even confirm its presence before unleashing waves of fire with their weapons.

The thunderous gunfire enveloped the Qing camps in white mist. It was under such conditions that the Black Flag Army launched their attack. Their formation dispersed quickly, with each infantry company and platoon covering each other as they advanced, followed closely by the artillery.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”
Bullets whizzed past their heads without causing much damage. The soldiers pressed forward steadily until the 60-mm mortars entered range: “Enemy camp directly ahead, 400 meters—three rapid shots…”

The infantry advanced even faster, easily covering over 100 meters despite the intense fire. Then came the crisp sound of mortars firing, boosting the morale of all soldiers.

“Boom… Boom… Boom…”
Artillery shells fell from the sky and exploded above a group of Qing soldiers, scattering debris everywhere. Immediately after, the brave Black Flag Army infantry charged into the enemy camp, shouting and wielding bayonets.

They were like knives plunged into the enemy ranks!

“What? The Black Flag Army has arrived?”

As a high-ranking general, Wang Debang commanded 20 battalions and was considered the top warrior on the Taiyuan front. Upon hearing news of the Black Flag Army’s arrival, he immediately ordered loudly from the command center, “Investigate their strength right away!”

Though they had suffered setbacks in recent battles, he believed the Black Flag Army was only mediocre. Without their advantages and artillery, they wouldn’t stand a chance against his Qing forces.

If it came to defending a city, they might be formidable, but in open combat, his Chu army was certain to win. If he were to set up defenses, he could be as unshakable as Zeng Guofan once was under Nanjing. Even if the Black Flag Army sent 800,000 troops to attack, he would remain as steady as a mountain.

“The Black Flag rebel infantry forces number about six battalions, nearly three thousand men, along with several forced Yue people who rushed from Hanoi to reinforce them. The leading two battalions of a thousand men have already reached the camp gates…”
The thunderous sounds of guns and cannons indicated the start of the battle. Wang Debang was overjoyed: “The rebels have arrived! Today is the day we will be granted titles and become ministers!”
Speaking thus, he shouted loudly, “Order all battalions not to move rashly—under no circumstances should they launch attacks outside their camps! Be absolutely cautious!”
Building strong fortifications and fighting a defensive battle was a strategy that had been passed down since the founding of the Hunan Army. With dozens of battalions forming a solid shield, even if the enemy attacked in large numbers, it might not be possible to break through those sturdy defenses.
The generals below were also filled with enthusiasm and responded in unison, “We will follow the commander-in-chief’s orders!”
“Be cautious! This battle only needs to dampen the rebels’ momentum. Order all battalions to hold their positions and not advance. Those who disobey orders will be executed!”
He had already made up his mind, convinced of a certain victory.
With seventy battalions forming connected fortifications, elite guns and cannons, and ample supplies, even the once fearsome Taiping rebels would not be a threat. He couldn’t help but voice his thoughts: “If the Black Flag rebels attack us without resting, it shouldn’t be a problem!”
The generals wisely waited for Wang Debang’s next command: “Please instruct us, commander-in-chief…”
“The Black Flag rebels have come from afar, traveling hundreds of miles. To attack recklessly without rest is a sure path to defeat!”
“I have deep trenches and strong fortifications, along with 100% of the necessary supplies. With my soldiers fighting bravely, even if the enemy attacks with tens of thousands, they won’t be able to shake us!”
“What’s truly concerning now is that instead of attacking us, the rebels might cut off our supply lines and launch guerrilla attacks. If our troops rashly leave the fortifications and enter the forests, they will surely suffer losses…”
As he spoke, a defeated officer rushed in, disheveled and begging for help: “Commander-in-chief! My battalion has been destroyed! Please send troops to rescue us!”
The officer was drenched in sweat; he was the commander of the second regiment at Xiliu, who had taken the brunt of the attack. His battalion was almost instantly destroyed by the Black Flag army’s artillery, and many soldiers hadn’t even seen the enemy clearly.
Fortunately, they had managed to fire a few rounds of gunfire, allowing them to report to their superiors that they had fought fiercely before falling. Wang Debang glanced at him and asked, “How did you get defeated? Did you disobey my orders and attack on your own?”
The officer looked terrified, his face pale, as he sobbed, “Commander-in-chief, my battalion didn’t even step outside the camp gates! It was all because the enemy had overwhelming numbers. Suddenly, three to four thousand rebels attacked, along with thirty to forty heavy cannons. With only half a battalion, we were outnumbered. After fierce fighting and heavy casualties, we were forced to retreat slightly…”
Wang Debang’s expression changed, but he hadn’t yet made a final decision. The distant sounds of gunfire indicated a fierce battle was underway.
All the officers also paled—none of them expected the enemy to be so strong. One battalion hadn’t lasted even twenty minutes. As they hesitated, more news came in: “The rebels have broken through another of our fortifications! After fighting bravely, 150 defenders almost all died!”

It may not be true that everyone died in the battle, but it is true that these 150 men were completely wiped out. Wang Debang was indeed an experienced general, and he immediately made a decision: “Order all battalions to hold their positions firmly, and also order my personal guards to lead the charge, with five more battalions sent to reinforce them!”