Post by Admin on Feb 3, 2007 10:30:56 GMT
Attack on Ti Fing
Plains battle. 247 A.D. January 19th Day
It was at this time that Zhuge Hong began to look beyond his own borders for expansion. The lord of the north believed that those who acted first were rewarded, and this was evident in the way he attacked the neighbouring city of Ti Fing. controlled by Zao Teng. On his own, Zao Teng stood little chance, but he had an ally in the (highly paid) Li Damu. Hearing of the attack, Li Damu mobilised to march north, leaving part of his army back at the capital in Lao Shu.
While Zhuge Hong readied a force of around 2,000 men, Li Damu and Zao Teng met to discuss how they would engage. Although both agreed on the Ti Fing fields, heated arguments heard by officers showed the first signs of friction between the two men.
The alliance began building their camp, supervised by Yei Chian, Li Damu's officer, Yei Chian set men to work and soon had a system of trenches. As dawn broke the following morning, both sides were to be shocked. The armies had come much closer in the night than intially thought, and as hurried preparations were made, Li Damu and Zao Teng met again. This time the results were even more disasterous, arguments over tactics broke out, and after Li Damu insulted Zao Teng's tea, (a vice he was well known for) Zao Teng is alledged to have thrown the remnants of his breakfast at his erstwhile ally. Certainly many saw Li Damu storm from the tent, but little else is known as solid fact.
On the other side of the field Zhuge Hong, his three brothers, and a young strategist were making preparations. It was often said that Zhuge Hong was a good judge of characterm and this was never more proven than with Tae Ling, and later, Ling Feng. Zhuge Hong supposedly said to the 17 year old.
"A strategist eh? Right, now you are my head tactician," Tae Ling proved himself worthy of the rank many times, and also in his first battle.
The first official action of the battle was from Nao Ling, the elder of the Ling brothers, he rode out and challenged Zao Teng to a duel. A call that the lazy lord did not even bother to answer. Zao Teng's men advanced, but soon found themselves in danger. Tae Ling had cunningly diverted a stream onto the battlefield, and what should have been firm ground was little more than a swamp.
Zhuge Zen challenged Li Damu, a warrior five years his senior, to a duel. Li Damu readily accepted and in a quick clash Zhuge Zen was sent back with two stab wounds to his chest, as he was immediately evacuated back to Xu Bi.
Battle was soon joined in the centre, foot troops fighting foot troops, with many a cunning manoveur and ploy involved. Zhuge Lao and Zhuge Lan both went on to challenge Li Damu also, and as they clashed, all three were unhorsed, Li Damu eventually wounding Lao and killing Lan.
Zhuge Hong was cut off from his men, but fled, Yei Chian attempting to catch him but her horse stumbling and throwing her off the chase.
Elsewhere, Zao Teng's troops were getting shot like ducks by Tae Ling's archers. Lee San, Zao Teng's best officer, attempted to rectify the situation but was struck by a chance arrow and killed. Hao Hadong, another officer, fell from his horse and broke his back, subsequently drowning as he lay face down in a pool of water. Zao Teng's own death is a subject of much controversey, however, the most likely cause is that he was killed by his own men (a view supported by the fact that Zao Cheng fled to Li Damu) although the involvement of Li Damu was suspected.
The battle was running for too long, and ultimately Zhuge Hong had to retreat, but leaving his foes with their own losses to mourn over.