The sun sets in the west, and its afterglow shines on the earth.
At this time, the battlefield gradually returned to calm. The 40,000 elite Mongolian troops collapsed and disappeared under the attack of multiple Jin troops.
Zhao Tai stood on the battlefield covered with corpses, breathing white air and looking around. Under his feet was the ground soaked in blood, and there were human corpses and horse corpses covering the ground.
On the battlefield with a radius of more than ten miles, the soldiers and civilians of the Zhongyi Army were collecting the spoils of war and cleaning up the corpses of their own soldiers.
On the left wing of the battlefield, the war horses screamed loudly. More than a dozen Jin Army cavalry, their helmets thrown aside, knelt on the ground and cried bitterly.
Zhao Tai heard the sound and saw the iron pagodas. He walked over with a sullen face, "What's going on?"
The nearby general Chang Yu stepped forward and whispered: "My lord, Commander Wanyan died in battle."
After hearing this, Zhao Tai felt his heart tremble and stopped immediately, with a sad look on his face.
At this time, Zhao Tai suddenly stepped forward quickly and separated the Jin soldiers surrounding the body. Someone said, "Ms. Zhao is here."
The Jin soldiers who were crying bitterly saw Zhao Tai coming, so they quickly made way for them. Zhao Tai walked into the crowd and saw a corpse with multiple wounds all over his body.
Although Wanyan Chenglin was wearing heavy armor, his torso was still full of wounds. His deformed helmet was removed, and his entire face was dented by a blunt hammer, making it difficult to see his original appearance.
Seeing this remains, Zhao Tai knew what kind of fierce battle Wanyan Chenglin had gone through.
This time, Zhao Tai was able to defeat the Mongolian army, and the Jin Army cavalry led by Wanyan Chenglin played the most important role. It was they who attacked the enemy formation time and time again, which created the opportunity for Zhao Tai to defeat Kuo Duan.
Zhao Tai had some friendship with Wanyan Chenglin. The two went on a mission to the Southern Song Dynasty together. After returning, Zhao Tai became the Prime Minister of Xuanfu due to his meritorious service, while Wanyan Chenglin became the commander of the cavalry capital of the imperial guards.
Seeing that Wanyan Chenglin died on the battlefield, Zhao Tai walked quickly at first, then slowed down as he approached, and finally knelt down, hugged Wanyan Chenglin's body, and cried bitterly, "Brother Chenglin! My Brother! Why did you just leave like this! What will happen to your brothers if you leave! Woohoo~"
Zhao Tai cried so hard that everyone around him was moved. Those from the Golden Soldiers, Iron Buddha, and the injured Guaizima who did not participate in the pursuit all gathered around, silently wiping their tears, and were moved by Zhao Tai's sincerity.
"Brother Chenglin, open your eyes. Didn't you say that you want to fight the Mongols with me and drive the Mongols out of the Central Plains?" Zhao Tai beat his chest and cried, calling the cavalry from Kaifeng and Wanyan who followed him Chengde, Wanyan Chenghu and others were deeply moved.
"Guorui, Commander Wanyan died a heroic death, please express your condolences!" Wu Xian came over at some unknown time, squatted down and patted Zhao Tai on the shoulder, comforting him softly, "Right now, we still need to chase the enemy, defeat Shi Tianze, and completely eliminate Meng The military threat to the Eastern Front.”
When Zhao Tai heard the sound, he howled a few more times before wiping away his tears and standing up. He glanced around at the remaining soldiers of Tiefu Tu and the injured soldiers of Guaizima, and said sadly: "Brother Chenglin died on the battlefield. My heart is very sad. However, The Mongolian army has not yet been annihilated, so everyone must put away their sorrow and avenge your palace commander!"
The surrounding Jin Army cavalry were crying in grief, and someone shouted loudly: "Avenge the palace commander!"
Zhao Tai comforted everyone again and said: "Don't worry, Brother Chenglin has left, and I will take care of you on his behalf. In this battle, you will fight to the death and take the greatest credit. All injured soldiers will go to Suining to recuperate. The commander will arrange for the best military doctors to treat your injuries. As for Brother Chenglin’s funeral, you don’t have to worry about it. The commander will ask the court for honors for him and give him a generous burial. If you lose the commander-in-chief, don’t be overly concerned. Sad, let alone worry about what happens next. From now on, I will provide you with money and food supplies. Those who can continue to fight, please obey my command for the time being and continue fighting on the Eastern Front to avenge Brother Chenglin. After defeating the Mongolian army , you will listen to the court’s arrangements.”
Zhao Tai won this battle, but the reinforcements from Kaifeng suffered heavy losses.
The loss of more than 40% of the five thousand cavalry was particularly severe at Tiefutu, which suffered an almost devastating blow. There were only less than fifty of the one thousand cavalry left.
Under this situation, they have lost their organizational structure and a large number of officers have died in the battle. It can be said that the people are panicked and they are leaderless.
At this time, Zhao Tai made clear arrangements for them, and everyone could only accept Zhao Tai's arrangements.
Seeing that there was no objection, Zhao Tai summoned Wanyan Chengde and Wanyan Chenghu. Both of them were Jurchens, but they had been with Zhao Tai for a long time and were considered half of his confidants.
"Chengde, Chenghu!" Zhao Tai said sadly: "I will leave it to you to bury Commander Wanyan in a dignified manner. In addition, you will arrange for the wounded soldiers and restore the organization of Guaizima and Tiefutu."
When the two heard this, they immediately clasped their fists and saluted, "I accept my order in this humble position!"
Zhao Tai nodded slightly. Both of them were Jurchens, and their surname was Wanyan. If they were to take over the elite cavalry of the Jin Kingdom, it would not be easy for them to arouse the resentment of Kaizima and Tiefutu.
After making arrangements, Zhao Taicai sighed to Wu Xian: "It's so sad! Wanyan Chenglin, a mighty general, fell on the battlefield like this. What a pity!"
Wu Xian sighed, "Alas! Wanyan Chenglin died heroically, and the man was wrapped in horse leather. He deserves to die."
Wuxian is not as sad as Zhao Tai, and he believes that Zhao Tai is not actually that sad.
After all, they had now won a great victory, defeating Kuoduan's 40,000-strong army and achieving an unprecedented victory.
"Guorui, I found Kuo Duan's body!" Wu Xian couldn't hide his joy. He and Zhao Tai walked out of the crowd and couldn't wait to share this exciting news.
Zhao Tai was shocked when he heard this, his face full of disbelief, "Is Kuo Duan dead?"
Wu Xian nodded, "I have already made people identify him, Kuo Duan is indeed dead!"
Zhao Tai asked quickly, "Where is the body?"
As Wuxian walked, he said: "Over there!"
Zhao Tai quickly followed Wuxian to check. He couldn't believe it. Logically speaking, a person of Kuoduan's level could easily escape even if he was defeated. How could he be killed?
At this time, Zhao Tai and Wuxian came to a place, and a large group of armed guards immediately made way for them to enter the circle.
Zhao Tai walked in and saw a corpse lying on the ground. There was a huge wound on the chest. It was probably stabbed by a spear and he was completely dead.
Next to the corpse, several Mongolian generals were kneeling with ropes tied behind their backs. Their heads were lowered and their expressions could not be seen clearly.
Zhao Tai stepped forward, glanced at the body, and then looked at the prisoners, "Is this Kuoduan?"
None of the prisoners spoke, and the guarding soldier immediately kicked them, "Xiangong Zhao asked you a question."
One of the tied captives said quickly: "Xiangong Zhao, he is indeed the Mongolian prince Kuoduan!"
