This plan is truly ingenious.

When in use, the device required two operators: one would pre-pull the bowstring and load the arrows, so once the mechanism was set, it could fire five or six arrows in succession; the other was responsible for aiming at the enemy and triggering the release for each shot. At Wang Bo’s current level, this was the best he could manage—he simply didn’t have Zhuge Liang’s genius, nor had he ever encountered such contrivances in his previous life.

Its greatest advantage wasn’t increased accuracy or much denser firepower. Rather, it allowed archers to conserve their strength by relieving the strain of holding the bow drawn for extended periods, making prolonged combat more feasible—after all, two people doing the work of one. As for the famed speed of the repeating crossbow, his invention barely touched upon it.

Among the Bingzhou cavalry Zhang Liao brought, many were equipped with standard Han army crossbows, but these weren’t repeating crossbows either. Compact, they were single-use weapons that had to be loaded in advance. Wang Bo found nothing useful to borrow from them and could only continue tinkering with his own crude device, laboring for a long while until he produced two further monstrosities: one featured a reinforced bowstring and a larger arrow channel, allowing several bolts to be loaded at once and discharged in rapid succession against dense enemy formations. This increased volume, but made reloading cumbersome. The other was essentially a massive bed crossbow, firing spears, operated by two or three men, capable of shooting a hundred paces distant—if aimed at advancing enemies, a single volley could carve a bloody path, ideal for mounting atop city walls.

Zhang Ning politely applauded these inventions and praised Wang Bo, but clearly her interest in these instruments of death paled compared to her curiosity for Xinghan Fruit Wine, leaving Wang Bo somewhat wounded: were his inventions so primitive? Still, they’d suffice against the even more primitive Xianbei!

Finally, Wang Bo led her to Chen Rong’s medical unit. Here, he discovered that nearly everyone in the medical team was a woman; even the dozens of songstresses sent previously had been placed here by Yang Feng. The place was bustling with lively chatter. The women of Xinghan City, all from society’s lowest rung, were unlike those elsewhere in Han territory—rarely cloistered at home, they responded eagerly to Wang Bo’s call, taking on whatever tasks they could, even the young maidens not yet married. This spirit was evident throughout the logistics department; some formidable women even volunteered to supervise and guard the captive labor camps, a distinctive feature of Xinghan City.

Zhang Ning was initially surprised but soon grew fond of the place. Watching women sorting herbs and children bouncing about causing mischief, a genuine smile blossomed on her face. Turning to Wang Bo, she said she and her father had learned much about medicine, and though they knew little else, she would like to help here in the future. Wang Bo was delighted, entrusting her to Chen Rong and finally relaxing: the beauty would stay, and visit often.

Returning to his tent, Wang Bo immediately began preparations for the possible incursion by the Xianbei. He first wrote to Ding Yuan, governor of Bingzhou, informing him that Budugen would soon attack, and that the Xinghan army was holding the front for him—surely he should provide some support? Otherwise, Wang Bo would let the enemy through, and Ding Yuan could deal with the consequences.

Next, he issued a general mobilization order for Xinghan City: the logistics department was to focus all efforts on military supplies, ensuring the Xinghan army would not suffer from shortages in battle; auxiliary troops and labor camps were to transport all accumulated defensive materials to both passes, and all newly made weapons were to be properly deployed; the scout unit was to seal the passes, allowing entry but forbidding exit—anyone refusing orders was to be executed on the spot.

The storm was coming, the shadow of war drawing near. As Wang Bo’s command echoed throughout the city, Xinghan became a hive of activity. The laughter that once drifted through the streets vanished, replaced by grave expressions on every face: logistics workers labored harder, brimming with confidence in the Xinghan army; the soldiers carried a deep-seated hatred for the Xianbei; the Wolf Owl Guards’ eyes gleamed with bloodlust. Only the Xianbei laborers, bent over their work, wore the same terror and despair as before.

Finally, the day arrived. Scouts outside Yuhu Pass reported a mass of barbarian cavalry approaching from Pingcheng: Xianbei, Wuwan, and other nameless steppe tribes advancing south. Most were headed for Yanmen Pass, but a force of over twenty thousand veered towards Yuhu Pass, entering the valley—a clear sign of hostile intent.

Receiving the report, Wang Bo couldn’t help but curse inwardly: he was ready for a showdown with Budugen—what business did the Yuzhou barbarians have here? He hadn’t provoked them; Xinghan City had only existed a few months, was it really so coveted? The steppe barbarians truly were mad dogs, biting whomever they found! Was this Kebineng’s men? Who was the Wuwan king, weren’t the Wuwan and Wuhuan the same tribe? Fine, he’d remember them all—when he had the chance, not one would escape, all would be turned into heaps of skulls!

He summoned his generals, who immediately began discussing strategies. Xu Chu was first to step forward, declaring loudly, “My lord! With the current strength of our Xinghan army, these ten thousand odd barbarians, a rabble at best, can be crushed with ease! Let us display our might and awe the villains!”

Wang Bo considered this, then shook his head. “Such a move would indeed rout the enemy, but the losses would be heavy, and direct confrontation may be less effective than defending the pass. All our men are elite, but lacking proper armor, casualties are due to inadequate protection. I will not allow my brothers to die so needlessly!”

Pinghan leapt up, loudly requesting to join the battle: “My lord! The Wolf Owl Guards will not stand idly by!” “Nonsense! I know what I’m doing!” The others had no better suggestions, simply clamoring for battle.

Only Zhang Liao, after some thought, proposed a feasible plan: if Wang Bo was reluctant to risk his soldiers in direct attack, he could have the cavalry exit Yuhu Pass to harass and delay the enemy, while the strong men dug traps and horse pits behind, vexing the barbarians. Once the invaders were enraged and lost their composure, the Xinghan army could ambush them and achieve a great victory.

“Excellent! Wen Yuan’s wisdom is sound!” Wang Bo praised—Zhang Liao was reliable after all.

At this point, Niu Feihu, commander of the scout unit, stood up. “My lord! The valley outside Yuhu Pass is broad, with a swift river to the west, its bank close to the cliff. The barbarians will march through the wider eastern bank to facilitate their assault. I have personally checked—the enemy is arrogant and has not sent scouts to the west bank!”

“If our cavalry moves along the western foothills by day and night, they may reach the enemy’s rear undetected. Then, when the enemy attacks the pass, or during the night, we could cross the river and launch a surprise attack—a decisive victory! My only concern is time: if the Pingcheng barbarians enter the valley, our cavalry may be caught between two fronts.”

Wang Bo pondered briefly, then laughed heartily. “Feihu has come of age! This plan shows true leadership! As for your concern, I have a solution: send a force to feign defeat and lure the enraged barbarians into pursuit. If more barbarians arrive, we will have already broken their ranks! Ha ha ha...!”

“My lord’s strategy is brilliant! The barbarians, arrogant as they are, will pursue relentlessly!” Niu Feihu waved his arms excitedly.

“An excellent plan!” The tent erupted in applause.

Truly, “three ordinary men can match Zhuge Liang,” for a band of brash warriors could indeed devise a good scheme. The barbarians at Yuhu Pass were used to plundering Han people, never having suffered at the hands of the Xinghan army, so they would surely follow the script.

“Anyone have further suggestions?” Wang Bo surveyed his men, who all shook their heads.

“Very well! Let’s proceed as planned!” In high spirits, Wang Bo slapped the table, ready to issue orders.

Just then, Niu Er rushed in and handed Yang Feng an urgent lambskin letter. Yang Feng opened it and immediately addressed Wang Bo. “My lord! Urgent military news: scouts from Yunuguan report that the old villain Budugen has gathered his elite, over seventy or eighty thousand strong, and has reached Wujin County. He will likely enter Yunuguan’s mountain path tomorrow!”

“Hmm...?” Wang Bo’s joy instantly turned to gloom as he cursed, “This villain never gives up his desire to destroy the Xinghan army! He comes at the worst possible time, attacking Yunuguan now—damnable! If we do not slaughter his forces and leave corpses strewn everywhere, I will not rest!”

Wang Bo was in the midst of planning for Yuhu Pass when Budugen’s massive army appeared at Yunuguan; both fronts were under attack, and the atmosphere in the tent grew tense.

Yuhu Pass faced twenty thousand, Yunuguan eighty thousand—over a hundred thousand barbarian cavalry in total, five times the population of Xinghan City! How could they fight? For a moment, the generals were at a loss, their eyes shining with the bloodlust of wolves.

Fight! Pick the softest target first. With that thought, Wang Bo slapped the table and declared, “Mere barbarians! If not for fear of heavy losses among our men, I would open the gates and meet them in battle—slaying every rider, every pair that comes!”

“Budugen’s force is vast, and after the last defeat at our hands, they will be cautious, advancing step by step. Our army has no opportunity outside Yunuguan—only a stubborn defense will suffice.”

“The eastern enemy numbers only twenty thousand, a coalition of Wuwan and Xianbei, a rabble easily crushed! I propose we gather the bulk of our forces to defeat them first, then move the entire army to Yunuguan to face Budugen. What do you think?”

“Yes! That is the only way!”

“Please, my lord, let us teach the barbarians a lesson they won’t forget!” The tent rang with fervent voices.

“Very well! Here are your orders: Zhang Liao will lead three thousand Xinghan cavalry, cross the river at the end of the si hour, and hide at the western foothills outside Yuhu Pass. At night, they will silence their horses and march quietly north. Tomorrow, at a suitable spot along the river’s gentle stretch, they will cross east and, barring accidents, launch a night raid on the enemy camp at the third quarter of the yin hour the following day. Wen Yuan, be extremely cautious—do not let the barbarians discover your movements! The outcome of this battle depends on you!”

“Yes! Liao remembers—please rest assured, general! I will not fail you!”

With the main assault assigned, the rest was straightforward.

Liao Hua would lead a thousand Han cavalry to lure the barbarians, ordered to lose without making it obvious, lest the enemy suspect Xinghan’s intentions. He must bring them to Yuhu Pass by tomorrow afternoon.

Uncertain, Wang Bo also dispatched Zhou Xiu and Wang Qi, with several hundred strong logistics workers and some robust women and children, disguised as refugees waiting two li from the pass. When the barbarians chased Liao Hua’s men, they would flee inside, dropping coins and provisions along the way to entice the pursuers.

Niu Feihu, with a detachment of scouts and Zhou Cang’s Wolf Owl Guard Alpha Team, would cross the river with Zhang Liao, monitoring Pingcheng’s movements. If more barbarians headed for Xinghan City, they would harass and delay them; if not, they would rest and wait to intercept fleeing barbarians after the battle, determined to take the heads of their leaders.

Inside Yuhu Pass, the main Xinghan force would rest and prepare, awaiting Zhang Liao’s night raid before opening the gates to strike.

With Yuhu Pass arranged, Wang Bo turned his attention to Yunuguan.

He ordered Chen Dao to lead two thousand infantry and a thousand cavalry to Yunuguan, accompanied by Huang Long’s Wolf Owl Guard Beta Team. The cavalry would harass up front, while the auxiliaries dug traps behind to slow Budugen’s advance, buying time for the main force to return.

Yang Feng would remain in Xinghan City, managing logistics and the Xianbei labor camp, ensuring steady supply and smooth operations.

“Victory to Xinghan!” As the cry rang out, the generals departed to prepare.

Thanks to his prior experience, Wang Bo had prioritized road construction, resulting in broad, smooth official routes between Xinghan City and both passes, with a stone path along the mountain base connecting the two. This made transporting supplies and deploying troops rapid and convenient. Many logistics wagons, built from donkeys and mules traded from merchants and fitted with Wang Bo’s modified wide-axle carts, had multiplied transport efficiency many times over.

To the west, Budugen’s Xianbei army advanced cautiously, a stark contrast to previous arrogance. They searched the mountains and riverbanks meticulously, sent scouts back and forth, and left nothing to chance. Despite traps and harassment from Wolf Owl Guard cavalry, they maintained a steady pace.

Receiving Chen Dao’s report, Wang Bo sighed, “Budugen truly is a tribal leader—steady and thorough, leaving no opportunity for his enemies! This time, he’s determined to uproot Xinghan City. Our only option is to hold Yunuguan, and brace for a grinding battle!”

He quickly sent a message to Yang Feng: after completing initial supply runs, the logistics department was to focus all efforts on making arrows and crossbow bolts, setting aside other tasks. Even soldiers guarding rear mountain paths were to keep watch while chopping hardwood for bows.

Fortunately, merchants had previously supplied plenty of iron arrowheads; otherwise, they would have had to use wooden sticks as arrows.

Time passed quietly as the Xinghan people prepared for war. By the afternoon of the following day, Liao Hua lived up to expectations—he successfully enraged the Xianbei and Wuwan coalition, and twenty thousand barbarians, full of fury, chased the Han cavalry with great momentum.