In spring, all things came to life. Grass on the plains broke through the soil, renewing the season and draping the earth in pale green, making the grassland look like a true grassland rather than a barren Gobi wasteland.
Within the Xianbei tribes, the Xianbei who had survived the winter in hiding also began to recover their vitality. They drove the Han civilians who had only recently been sent back and put them to work.
Just then, everyone felt the earth tremble. They suddenly looked up and saw, beneath the eastern sunrise, an endless row of dark silhouettes appearing before them.
They were cavalry—cavalry that had already spread into formation and prepared to charge. The Xianbei began shouting, and the tribe descended into chaos. Only the Han civilians remained unmoved. There had indeed been a brief moment of panic, but then they abruptly thought, What difference did it make? Death was death. Let things go however they pleased. Watching the barbarians who usually beat and cursed them fall into disarray actually brought them a measure of satisfaction...
Mounted atop a tall warhorse, Liao Hua looked from afar at the enormous Xianbei tribe. The horse beneath him was the tamed Wild Horse King. He had originally intended to give it to the general, but those damned powerful clans were truly skilled at currying favor. The General's Mansion stables were filled with Ferghana horses, each more imposing and powerful than this horse king. So he simply kept it for himself and did not take one of the general's gifted steeds.
Seeing the Xianbei tribe in turmoil in the distance, he smiled disdainfully.
"Two units each on the left and right, move to encircle them. The rest, charge with me."
As Liao Hua's words fell, the messenger behind him answered and raised the