Xiao Yu'er listened attentively, gazing at her esteemed teacher with admiration, asking how to accurately calculate the lead time. After all, the method of calculating lead time varies depending on the distance to the target.
Indeed, the formula for calculating lead time based on target distance could be discussed until evening without finishing. If the target is close or approaching head-on, the lead time can be minimal or even negligible.
This so-called lead time is actually a calculation formula for distant targets. It includes factors such as the flight speed of the arrow and the movement speed of the target, and it even involves a sense of feel.
Through thousands of trial shots, one can solidify this sense. Once this feeling becomes a pattern, it takes on a somewhat magical quality. The archer only needs to take a glance to accurately hit their target.
Of course, if the ranged weapon in hand were an ordinary bow, this issue would be relatively simpler. However, what they currently held was a Qin State Crossbow with excellent range, and learning to use Sight Block to adjust for target distance also fell within the scope of instruction.
"The enemy is already charging! Let's discuss this issue when we return!" Luzi said, picking up the Crossbow with arrows attached and looking outside. "Madam! You don't need to join this battle; just focus on loading arrows for me."
Xiao Yu'er only knew that the approaching force was Zhao Army's Cavalry, but she was unaware of their numbers. Seeing Luzi appear completely unconcerned, she assumed there were at most a dozen men. So she agreed while reminding Luzi to be cautious. After all, arrows are not like other weapons; injuries from being shot typically affect the upper body, especially the head, which is the most dangerous! The components above are numerous, and if any one of them is damaged, it would be difficult to replace!
As Luzi observed the distance to the target, he pondered whether Xiao Yu'er might be Li Xin's younger sister. However, no matter how he looked at it, she didn't resemble him at all. Li Xin was so unattractive; how could he possibly have such a beautiful little sister? Resolving not to associate the two any further, he raised his hand and gestured towards Li Xin, who was dodging and weaving closer. After receiving confirmation in response, he shouted loudly in a Zhao accent: "Who goes there!? You are surrounded! Quickly state your names!"
The advantage of using a Crossbow became evident here; it was also one reason why the hastily arriving Cavalry lost sight of their target. If they had used ordinary bows and arrows, the archer would need to stand or kneel to ensure they could shoot effectively. But with a Crossbow, there was no need for such risks; the archer could lie flat on the ground to aim and shoot.
The charging Cavalry suddenly heard a warning voice not far ahead and hurriedly pulled their reins while raising their Crossbows, scanning for the source of the sound. The leading Officer, seeing that the target refused to reveal themselves, had no choice but to respond loudly: "I am Captain Lu Ding of Zhao's 35th Cavalry! Who are you? Why are you lingering here without cause!?"
Upon hearing this question, Luzi realized that they had not been recognized as Qin soldiers due to their attire. If the opposing force had noticed two Qin Army Soldiers standing there earlier, they would surely have been surrounded by now!
Different military ranks correspond to different numbers of soldiers under command. A Sergeant typically refers to five soldiers, while a Captain refers to twenty soldiers. Unless there are special requirements for formations, these are standard configurations.
It seems that the opposing side has at least twenty cavalry! Indeed, when it comes to a fight, that's quite a lot! Luzi recalled that he had roughly estimated there to be at least seventeen or eighteen people earlier, and based on the official position comparison, he should be able to confirm the approximate number of them!
Luzi took a deep breath and looked down at the crossbow in his hands. If only his brothers were here, nine people could form a small Arrow Formation. With just two quick rounds of fire, this number of enemies would be no problem at all!
However, it seemed there was a grammatical error in the opponent's response. What unit is Zhao Guo's troops? After pondering for a moment, Luzi suddenly understood. It turned out to be Zhao Kuo's troops! This cavalry was under General Zhao Kuo! But according to inside information, this General Zhao, who preferred quick strikes, had returned home, right? After the Shangdang Campaign began, he had fallen out with Commander Lian Po and was asked to return home to fulfill his filial duties due to his father Zhao She's serious illness.
This meant that the general of Zhao Guo's rapid response troops was not at the front lines! A general returning home for a report would not take his entire legion with him. Therefore, this unit skilled in cavalry archery and rapid assaults had been entirely left behind for Old General Lian Po!
Upon deducing this conclusion, Luzi couldn't help but snort coldly. As the saying goes, a snake cannot function without its head! Handing over a unit adept at quick strikes to the overly cautious Lian Po would render that unit useless!
Thoughts aside, they were still waiting for confirmation!
Xiao Yu'er, unaware of Luzi's musings, cleared his throat and lowered his voice to respond, "We are all on the same side! We are from General Liang Shukong's unit, assigned to support the front line as part of the Thunderbolt Car troops!"
General Liang Shukong is a descendant of the Great Liang Kingdom. After Zhou Xiangwang was destroyed by Qin in the eleventh year of his reign, his family dispersed under their national name across various Feudal States. One branch of this family settled in Zhao Guo's capital Handan and subsequently rose to prominence. Their clan has produced over thirty public servants in Zhao Guo and is considered one of its prominent families. The most outstanding among them is Uncle Liang, who currently commands Zhao Guo's largest long-range catapult unit.
While common soldiers might not recognize him, such high-ranking generals are certainly well-known. Since they were on the same side, there was no need for hostility upon meeting. Captain Lu Ding raised his hand to signal his soldiers to lower their weapons before calling out, "Alright! You can come out now!"
Upon hearing that it was safe to proceed, Luzi and Xiao Yu'er exchanged glances. They had left their Zhao uniforms back at the Observation Post camp; how could they dare appear dressed as Qin Army soldiers? They could claim they simply liked wearing Qin State military uniforms and using their weapons and equipment! While being on the front lines might provide an opportunity to pick up enemy weapons or uniforms from fallen soldiers, they were clearly in the rear area where there was no source for these Qin State items! Oh dear! This was driving them crazy!
"Okay! I'm coming out now! Please don't shoot!" Li Xin, hiding behind a tree, could clearly see Luzi and Xiao Yu'er from Chu Region. He quickly raised his bow and arrow as he slowly walked out while shouting loudly, "Brothers, where are you planning to go?!"
Seeing that this officer who emerged was indeed wearing his own army's uniform, the soldiers who were about to raise their crossbows all relaxed. Moreover, since there was only one person in front of them holding a bow—one of the most common weapons on the battlefield—they naturally did not feel as threatened as before.
"Is that General Li?" The Captain of the Cavalry Unit jumped down from his warhorse and rushed over upon seeing Li Xin. "I am Lu Ding, here to pay my respects to you, General!"
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