The sun had barely risen when Ri Yami stood on the crest of Mount Nian, watching from his position the enemy column advancing through the narrow Valley of Huan.
The forces of the Han state were considerable: nearly 1,000 men marched confidently, unaware that they were about to fall into a meticulously planned ambush.
At 17 years old, Yami was no longer the inexperienced young captain he once was. His strength, tactical mastery, and ability to inspire his men were equivalent to those of a commander capable of leading 3,000 soldiers. That imposing aura, combined with his shining armor and skill with bow and spear, made him a fearsome leader on the battlefield.
Preparation and orders
Yami had divided his 500 men into strategic groups:
300 light infantry (100 of them equipped with heavy armor and reinforced spears),
100 archers positioned in the surrounding forests,
50 cavalry riders hidden in the cliffs to the west,
30 men in logistics, and
20 in the medical unit ready to attend to the wounded.
Jian Mu, the experienced cavalry captain, watched every move with sharp eyes. Wei Long, Ming Tao, Lao Chen, and Han Jin, his infantry officers, maintained cohesion and awaited the signal.
"Remember, no one must fail. Focus, patience, and a precise strike," Yami ordered with a firm and confident voice.
Beginning of the ambush
The first arrow was released from Yami's hand. His aim, honed through years of training and natural talent, was lethal. The arrow pierced the throat of an enemy officer, who fell lifeless before he could give the charge order.
With that signal, the archers of the Ri Unit unleashed a deadly hail of arrows. The enemy soldiers scattered, confused and under constant fire.
Meanwhile, the light infantry blocked the escape routes with nets and camouflaged traps, pushing the enemy column toward the narrow pass where the cavalry waited.
Hand-to-hand combat: Yami's strength
Ri Yami descended into the valley, spear in hand and shining heavy armor. His presence on the battlefield was imposing, moving with the strength and precision of a commander capable of leading 3,000 men.
Each thrust of his spear pierced shields and armor. His agile and calculated movements dodged attacks while countering with stabs and short slashes.
"For Quin!" he roared as he broke through the enemy ranks, inspiring his men to advance with restrained fury.
His nearby officers fought alongside him, synchronizing their attacks and maintaining formation.
Strategy and command
Yami was not only fighting; he was commanding. He used hand signals and shouts to coordinate attacks, order strategic retreats, and launch flanking charges.
"Wei Long, cover the left flank and press the enemy. Ming Tao, use wedge formation to break their center. Han Jin, keep the reserves ready to exploit any breach."
The battle became controlled chaos where every move was vital. The Ri Unit was trained and equipped for this fight, superior in quality and discipline compared to a numerically superior but less cohesive enemy.
Fall of enemy officers and victory
Arrows continued to cut through the air, taking down enemy leaders one by one. Without command, the Han soldiers began to falter and lose coordination.
Jian Mu's cavalry appeared to deliver decisive blows, trapping the enemy in a deadly encirclement.
After hours of fierce fighting, the Han column was destroyed. Only a few managed to flee, leaving behind weapons, supplies, and equipment.
After the battle
Yami oversaw the recovery of the wounded and the reorganization of his unit. The spoils taken would serve to improve his men's equipment and fund new operations.
Looking toward the horizon, Yami knew this victory was just another step in the prolonged war for Quin's supremacy.