The left wing of the Qin Army is relatively secure compared to the right wing, which is facing a crisis as the Zhao Army's light cavalry begins to break through. Fang Tianhua originally intended to protect the general's retreat, but his plan was ultimately vetoed by the Grand General. As for why the general did not leave, he was unaware. But orders are orders; as a subordinate, he could only obey without questioning.
Luzi no longer paid attention to everything around him because he was focused solely on one answer—one that could fully hold back the Zhao Army's cavalry. This standard answer was not something he could figure out; only the Invincible General before him could solve it.
"General Fang! Our right wing can no longer hold! How can we completely resolve this situation?"
Anyone who has entered the ranks of high-ranking generals in the Qin Army is someone who has truly risen from a sea of corpses and blood. Fang Tianhua had been in the military for over a decade and had never entered the ranks of high-ranking generals simply because he did not care for it. To him, this seemingly awkward situation was not a big deal at all.
"Grand General! I dare to speak, just at your door..."
"Speak about serious matters!"
"Understood!"
Fang Tianhua quickly cleared his throat and stated what Luzi most wanted to know. In fact, this situation could be easily resolved; the inability of the Scale Formation to close was due to the soldiers lacking the Young Master's attitude.
This seemed too vague and abstract! Luzi interrupted Fang Tianhua's slow explanation and asked, "How can this be resolved?"
When asked about the key point, Fang Tianhua appeared hesitant. The reason he had not spoken about serious matters earlier was that he feared the general would take on the responsibility personally. Infantry against cavalry is a tough match! But since the topic had already been broached, dragging it out further would seem petty. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Crescent Formation!"
At this moment, when mentioning the Crescent Formation, some might think of the shape of Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade from the Three Kingdoms period. However, that is not the case; this Crescent Formation has also been referred to as such. The term "crescent" typically refers to a half-moon shape. The distinction lies in its appearance resembling a crescent moon hanging in the night sky—a long arc that is thin at both ends and thick in the middle.
Thus, this formation was originally designed for brave generals and does not belong to civil officials positioned behind generals. The curved front edge is held by generals, which means they will face enemy charges head-on. Later generations modified this formation into a half-moon shape, placing what was once a general's position toward the center-rear of the formation. Although it retained its original name, it had long lost the significance intended by its original design.
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the Crescent Moon Formation was a battle formation resembling a crescent moon, hence it was referred to as the Crescent Formation. This is what General Fang Tianhua was concerned about. Although the General appeared to be behind the Crescent Formation, he was actually in the most dangerous position for an attack.
If General Wang Jian were to take the place of the General in this formation, some issues would become simpler. Even without Fang Tianhua's suggestions regarding the Crescent Formation, he would take on that responsibility himself.
When Luzi heard the name of this formation, he immediately sketched out a rough diagram. He soon understood Fang Tianhua's predicament and couldn't help but sigh. He had thought of himself as a capable general of the Qin State, yet he was still seen as a rookie by others.
Thinking of this, Luzi looked down at the gleaming Long Spear in his hand, and a surge of pride rushed to his head. Just a short while ago, General Wang Jian had led the Army in forming a Pike Formation that swept through their enemies. The feeling at that moment was exhilarating; indeed, the battlefield was where good men belonged!
"Order the left wing to hold their position and notify the right wing to form the Crescent Formation!"
Upon hearing the General's command, Luzi immediately mounted his horse, but Fang Tianhua hurriedly blocked his path. "General! Let me go to the front lines!"
Luzi gestured for Fang Tianhua to look at his weapon before saying, "Look closely! I am not holding a brush! All generals are willing to sacrifice themselves for Great Qin; even if I am just a scholar, I must take up arms! No need for further discussion! You stay here to support the left wing; if any issues arise, you will be held accountable!"
"Understood!"
Hearing the signal drum beat again, Lu Zichao smiled at Fang Tianhua as he prepared to leave. "I leave my back to you, General! Please be careful!" With that, he rode off toward the right wing of the Army.
At this moment, the right wing of the Qin Army's Defensive Formation had already been breached by Zhao Army's light cavalry, creating a U-shaped gap. The Qin soldiers struggled to organize an effective counterattack and felt increasingly overwhelmed. When they heard the sound of drums signaling a change in formation from behind them, the leading officer let out a sigh of relief.
The movements of an army follow established protocols; once defenses are breached without receiving orders for reformation, it becomes impossible to reorganize forces. Facing a crowd pressing forward toward their enemies, the spear soldiers at the front could not create enough distance to exert their effective striking power.
With orders received to change into the Crescent Formation, the rear troops began moving and provided ample space for the spear soldiers to maneuver. As they raised their spears high, Short Spear Users and archers within the formation quickly eliminated approaching Zhao soldiers. As distances gradually increased between them, crossbows began to thunder with sound. The coordination between long-range weapon users and archers was effectively executed until no Zhao soldiers were left charging forward.
When the Crescent Moon Formation was completed, the two armies of Qin Zhao, which had been tightly engaged, finally pulled apart. The Crossbowmen ceased firing arrows and quietly observed the light Cavalry of the Zhao Army across from them.
Zhao General Zhou Zhi wiped the blood splattered on his chin and looked up and down at the Qin Army Commander opposite him. If he was not mistaken, the General who had just formed the Pike Formation was a decoy! The true Qin Army Commander was now standing before him.
"Who goes there?!"
Luzi, already facing the enemy, was indeed in a position where the Soldiers forming the entire formation could see him. He was confident because he could clearly see every part of the crescent moon shape from the Chu Region.
Morale is key; this reflects the General's attitude!
Hearing the question from the Zhao General, Luzi, having confirmed who his opponent was, couldn't help but smile and said, "General Zhou Zhi, you truly are a person of high status who easily forgets! A small general like me, who is not well-known, indeed finds it hard to catch your eye!"
In the early period of the Seven Warring States, before the great Qin State officially emerged, the relationships among the Feudal States were quite harmonious. Perhaps they were fighting each other today but would become Allied Forces against a common enemy tomorrow. This led to close military exchanges between various Feudal States.
The two generals who had just called each other brothers were now eager to behead one another on the battlefield. Although national wars had not officially calmed down, both Sovereigns signed a ceasefire memorandum. The frustrating reality of their situation brought these unfortunate comrades together again, lamenting that worldly affairs are indeed unpredictable.
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