The First Trial of the Dragon Cavalry

After Hou Junji proposed his idea, there was a moment of silence in the Tai Chi Hall. The situation of the Dragon Cavalry was indeed somewhat exceptional.

Their unit was formed with the purpose of conducting deep incursions into enemy territory without supply lines, fighting independently. However, from the very beginning, Li Jing had stated that the Dragon Cavalry’s strength did not lie in frontal combat.

But then again, the chaos of the battlefield is ever-changing—who can guarantee that their troops will not face situations where they are outnumbered?

Though the generals present agreed with Hou Junji’s assessment, they were uncertain about how to choose their battle strategy. At that moment, Li Jing, as the commander of the Dragon Cavalry, stood up and addressed Emperor Taizong:

“Sire, although the Dragon Cavalry is not primarily designed for frontal engagements, I remain confident that they can defeat enemies at least four times their number in direct combat.”

Li Jing’s words startled the other generals. This was no empty boast. Many of these commanders had experience leading smaller forces to victory against larger armies, but they understood well that to defeat an enemy four times greater in direct battle required perfect alignment of timing, terrain, and morale. Their past victories often owed much to fortune.

Yet Li Jing asserted that under any circumstances, the Dragon Cavalry possessed the ability to overcome foes fourfold their size. Some of Li Jing’s close comrades regarded this claim as somewhat overconfident.

Just as the hot-tempered Yuchi Jingde was about to remind Li Jing of reality, Hou Junji interjected again:

“If that is the case, then we ask Your Majesty to arrange a contest where the Dragon Cavalry faces an enemy four times their strength.”

Emperor Taizong frowned slightly upon hearing this. Hou Junji had seized the moment to issue a challenge, putting the emperor in a difficult position.

At that moment, Li Zhi stepped forward and spoke:

“Father, I support the idea of allowing the Dragon Cavalry to face an enemy four times their number.”

Before anyone could respond, he continued, “However, since frontal combat is not the Dragon Cavalry’s forte, I propose that we hold two contests.”

Emperor Taizong responded with an “Oh,” asking, “How would these two contests be conducted?”

Li Zhi explained, “The first, a straightforward battle, needs no further explanation—both sides will face each other on the training grounds for a decisive outcome.”

He paused briefly, then added, “For the second, I suggest creating a scenario in which the Dragon Cavalry takes the offensive against a defending force.”

Taizong inquired, “How should the battlefield be arranged? And how long must the defense hold?”

Li Zhi answered, “The battlefield’s location should be selected jointly by Your Majesty and the generals. As for the duration of defense, three to four days would be appropriate.”

Taizong asked, “What leads you to this conclusion?”

Li Zhi replied, “The Dragon Cavalry’s mission is to operate alone, carrying limited rations. Hence, their missions cannot last too long.”

After some thought, Emperor Taizong nodded and turned to the other generals: “What do you all think of Prince Jin’s proposal?”

Hou Junji, pleased with Li Zhi’s suggestion, was the first to respond: “I have no objections.”

Others quickly voiced their agreement.

Discussions then turned to where to set the battlefield for the Dragon Cavalry’s assault. Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Yaojin, Li Ji, and Li Daozong believed the defenses should mimic the conditions of nearby nomadic tribes, making it more realistic for future campaigns.

However, Hou Junji and some others argued the terrain should favor the defenders to truly test the Dragon Cavalry’s capabilities.

After a lengthy debate, Emperor Taizong ultimately sided with Hou Junji’s group, deciding on a defensive setup advantageous to the defending side.

Throughout the conversation, Li Zhi remained silent, his confidence in the Dragon Cavalry stemming from his deep understanding of special operations.

The first contest was scheduled three days later at the main camp of the Sixteenth Guard in the southern precincts.

To ensure that neither Li Zhi nor Li Jing would have it easy, Hou Junji selected over four thousand of the strongest warriors from the Sixteenth Guard.

He was determined not to let Li Zhi meddle too easily in military affairs. As a covert supporter of Li Chengqian, Hou Junji had been closely monitoring Li Zhi’s moves, recognizing the threat Li Zhi’s rising talents posed to Li Chengqian’s future.

Especially after the recent literary contest, Hou Junji had ranked Li Tai’s threat below that of Li Zhi.

Now, the four thousand elite troops stood arrayed on the training grounds, waiting for Emperor Taizong, his ministers, and the Dragon Cavalry.

Soon, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed from afar. Hou Junji looked up and saw the Dragon Cavalry approaching, led by their temporary commander Li Jing, followed by Su Lie and his deputies.

The entire formation moved with impeccable order; the sound of their horses’ hooves blended into a single unified beat.

As the troops drew closer, a chilling aura swept toward Hou Junji, causing him to narrow his eyes instinctively.

This imposing presence was felt by the four thousand warriors behind him, who instinctively raised their own spirits.

Thus, even before the battle began, both sides engaged in a silent contest, each trying to crush the other’s morale.

Upon arriving at the training grounds, Li Jing raised his hand in a signal. Almost simultaneously, all Dragon Cavalry soldiers dismounted, their movements flawless and disciplined.

Hou Junji greeted Li Jing with mixed feelings. Despite his reluctance, he could not help but admire the Dragon Cavalry’s prowess deep in his heart.

After exchanging pleasantries, Emperor Taizong’s procession arrived. Both sides moved toward the central platform on the training grounds.

As Emperor Taizong and his ministers ascended the platform, his eyes immediately fell upon the Dragon Cavalry below. It was his first time witnessing them, and their formidable presence deeply satisfied him.

Li Jing and Hou Junji also ascended the platform. Li Jing bowed to the emperor:

“The Dragon Cavalry soldiers are ready for Your Majesty’s inspection.”

Hou Junji added from beside him, “Please put them to the test, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Taizong nodded and declared, “Since both sides are prepared, let the contest begin.”

At his command, Hou Junji waved his hand toward the distant field.

Troops carried training wooden swords, spears, bows wrapped with cloth sacks, and baskets of white chalk to the center of the training ground.

Both sides then took up their weapons and coated their tips with white chalk. This essential procedure ensured an accurate judgment of the battle’s outcome during training.

Once all preparations were complete, the two forces mounted their horses and faced each other from a distance.

An exhilarating battle was about to commence with the emperor’s order.