112: Chapter 22 Pursuit of the Remaining Enemy

Part 1: Thousand-Mile Chase

Yuan Shikai ran for three days and nights, finally stopping in a small town on the border of the Northeast.

It was not that he wanted to stop, but his horse could not run anymore.

When he broke out of Baoding, he had brought over ten thousand men, sweeping majestically toward the northeast. Along the way, the routed soldiers dwindled; some slipped away under the cover of night, some were caught and annihilated by Li Ling's cavalry, and others fell behind due to hunger and cold, collapsing on the roadside, never to rise again.

Three days later, fewer than three thousand men remained by his side.

"General, we cannot keep running." The adjutant knelt on the ground, panting. "The brothers have not eaten for three days, and the horses cannot run anymore. If we keep going, we will collapse on our own without Li Ling even having to attack."

Yuan Shikai sat on his horse, his face ashen. His horse also looked exhausted, foam hanging from its mouth, its four legs trembling slightly.

"What place is this ahead?" he asked.

"Reporting to the General, ahead is Shanhai Pass. Once past Shanhai Pass, it is Zhang Zuolin's territory. We have already sent people to make contact, and Zhang Zuolin has agreed to let us pass."

Yuan Shikai was silent for a moment. He understood Zhang Zuolin—cunning, shrewd, and quick to turn his back on others. Letting him pass now was only because he still had some utility. Once in the Northeast, these three thousand remnants of his would be fish on Zhang Zuolin's chopping block, to be slaughtered at will.

But he had no other choice.

"Pass the order: enter the city to rest. Tomorrow morning, we continue."

"Yes!"

Shanhai Pass was an ancient fortress with tall, thick walls; the characters "The First Pass Under Heaven" were carved above the city gate. Yuan Shikai led his three thousand remnants into the city and found some empty houses to settle in. The soldiers, cold and hungry, scavenged for anything edible—some gnawed on frozen, rock-hard steamed buns, some drank cold water to stave off hunger, and others simply collapsed on the ground, not wanting to move at all.

Yuan Shikai sat in a dilapidated temple, a dying campfire before him. He stared at the dancing flames, his mind replaying the events of the past few days.

He remembered the fierce battle on the banks of the Yellow River, the soldiers who died on the ice, and Li Ling's Air Force that came and went like ghosts, along with that artillery that was despairingly precise.

"Li Ling..." he muttered to himself, "What kind of person are you, exactly?"

Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside.

"General! It is bad! Li Ling's cavalry is here!"

Yuan Shikai stood up abruptly, his face pale: "How many?"

"It is hard to tell, a dark mass of them, at least several thousand! They are less than ten li from the city gate!"

Yuan Shikai gritted his teeth: "Pass the order: close the city gates, everyone get on the walls to defend!"

"General, the brothers have not eaten for three days, how can they have the strength to fight?" the adjutant asked with a mournful face.

"We must fight regardless!" Yuan Shikai roared. "If we do not fight, we die!"

But before he could finish, dense gunfire erupted outside the city gate.

Part 2: Iron Cavalry Breaches the Pass

The pursuers were the cavalry division of Li Ling's Second Army Group, all mounted on Mongolian horses, each equipped with the latest automatic rifles and four Hand grenades tucked at their waists. Their equipment was far superior to what the rebels had imagined.

The cavalry division commander was Ma Zhanshan, a military talent manifested by the system. In his early forties, his build was as sturdy as an iron plate, his horsemanship superb, and his marksmanship godlike. He had led three thousand cavalrymen from Baoding all the way to Shanhai Pass, covering over five hundred li in three days and nights, annihilating over five thousand routed soldiers along the way and seizing countless supplies.

"Division Commander, that is Shanhai Pass ahead." The scout rode back. "There are many routed soldiers in front of the gate, entering the city. There are figures moving on the walls, seemingly setting up defenses."

Ma Zhanshan raised his binoculars and looked at the distant walls.

The walls of Shanhai Pass were about twelve meters high and seven meters thick, complete with crenellations, arrow towers, and gun emplacements—it was a fortress easy to defend and hard to attack. If Yuan Shikai had brought his main force to hold it, his three thousand cavalry might not have been able to take it.

But now, Yuan Shikai only had three thousand remnants, and every one of them was too hungry to walk. Though the defenses were strong, the defenders lacked the strength; even the sturdiest wall was just a pile of stones.

"Pass the order." Ma Zhanshan lowered his binoculars. "The First Regiment will feign a frontal attack to distract the enemy. The Second and Third Regiments will flank to the sides and find a breakthrough point. Within fifteen minutes, we must enter the city."

"Yes!"

Three thousand cavalrymen split into three routes and launched a fierce assault on Shanhai Pass.

The First Regiment lined up outside the city gate, dismounted, and used rifles and machine guns to suppress the defenders on the walls. Dense bullets sent brick and stone shards flying from the walls; the defenders did not even dare to show their heads.

The Second and Third Regiments took advantage of the night to scale the walls from the low slopes on either side. The defenders had not even reacted before they were beaten into a chaotic rout.

"Li Ling's troops are in the city! Run!"

"Surrender! I surrender! Do not kill me!"

"Stop fighting! We surrender!"

The routed soldiers threw down their weapons, knelt on the ground, hands covering their heads, shivering. Some could not even kneel steadily and simply collapsed onto the ground.

Ma Zhanshan led the First Regiment in through the city gate and frowned at the prisoners kneeling all over the ground.

"Where is Yuan Shikai?" He grabbed a prisoner by the collar and asked sharply.

"Ran... ran away..." the prisoner stammered, pointing toward the north of the city. "Just went out the north gate, running toward the northeast..."

Ma Zhanshan cursed and mounted his horse: "Second Regiment, follow me in pursuit! Third Regiment, stay behind to guard the prisoners!"

The sound of hooves rang out again, and three hundred cavalrymen shot off like arrows from a bow toward the north gate.

Part 3: The Cornered Beast

When Yuan Shikai ran out the north gate, fewer than two hundred men remained by his side.

He rode a chestnut horse, whipping its rump frantically, wishing it could fly. Behind him, the sound of hoofbeats grew closer, the gunfire denser, and his heart sank further.

"General, there is a river ahead!" the adjutant shouted.

"Cross the river!" Yuan Shikai roared. "Once we cross, we will be safe!"

The two hundred remnants urged their horses into the icy river. Although the river had not frozen in winter, the water was bone-chillingly cold. The horses neighed in distress; some horses' legs went weak, and they collapsed directly into the river, throwing their riders into the water.

Yuan Shikai did not care about those who fell in, running for his life toward the opposite bank. The water reached the horses' bellies, and the freezing river soaked his boots and trouser legs, making him shiver uncontrollably.

Just as he climbed onto the bank, familiar gunfire rang out behind him.

It was not a standard rifle; it was that rapid-fire, high-rate-of-fire automatic rifle—the standard issue for Li Ling's troops.

A few remnants who were slow were hit by bullets, falling from their horses, rolling, screaming, and convulsing on the ground.

"Do not stop! Keep running!" Yuan Shikai roared, not even daring to look back.

After running for about another hour, the pursuers behind were finally shaken off. Yuan Shikai reined in his horse and panted heavily. His horse was exhausted, its four legs trembling like a sieve.

"Take a headcount," he said weakly.

"General, one hundred and twenty men made it," the adjutant's voice was filled with despair. "Thirty more fell behind; they probably... probably will not be coming back."

One hundred and twenty men.

Yuan Shikai closed his eyes, a sense of desolation he had never felt before surging in his heart.

Three months ago, he had an army of 150,000, dominating Zhili and eyeing the Central Plains. Now, those 150,000 were gone, and he only had 120 remnants left, fleeing through the ice and snow like stray dogs.

"Let us go." He opened his eyes, his voice hoarse. "Keep moving. Once we get to Shenyang and see Zhang Zuolin, we still have a chance."

The 120 remnants dragged their exhausted bodies and continued toward the northeast.

Behind them, the wind and snow raged, covering all traces.

Part 4: Help in the Snow

After walking for another two days, Yuan Shikai finally arrived in Shenyang.

Zhang Zuolin came out of the city personally to welcome him.

It was not because he valued Yuan Shikai, but because he wanted to see what that once-arrogant Zhili warlord had become.

Yuan Shikai sat on his horse, his face sallow, eye sockets sunken, his beard messy, and his uniform covered in mud and bloodstains. Among the 120 remnants behind him, some leaned on crutches, some were supported by others, and some simply lay on carts, dying.

Zhang Zuolin sighed in his heart at the sight.

"Brother Yuan, you have suffered," he said, cupping his hands. "Please, enter the city to rest."

Yuan Shikai dismounted, his legs weak, almost falling to the ground. He managed to steady himself and returned the salute: "Many thanks for taking me in, Brother Zhang. Yuan Shikai will never forget this kindness."

"You are too polite, too polite." Zhang Zuolin laughed loudly, reaching out to support Yuan Shikai's arm. "Do not worry, Brother Yuan. Once you are here with me, no one can bully you. No matter how powerful Li Ling is, he would not dare attack the Northeast."

Yuan Shikai smiled bitterly inwardly.

He certainly knew Zhang Zuolin was bragging. Li Ling could even defeat the United Fleet of the Great Powers, so what was a Northeast? But at this moment, he had no choice but to believe.

"Let us go, into the city!" Zhang Zuolin waved his hand. "Prepare a banquet to welcome Brother Yuan!"

The banquet was held in Zhang Zuolin's headquarters, with sumptuous dishes and fine wine. Yuan Shikai sat in the guest seat, forced down a few bites, and put down his chopsticks.

"Brother Yuan, why are you not eating?" Zhang Zuolin asked with a smile. "Is the food not to your taste?"

"No." Yuan Shikai shook his head. "I just do not have an appetite."

"Then have some wine." Zhang Zuolin poured him a cup. "Brother Yuan, we are old acquaintances; if you have something to say, just say it."

Yuan Shikai was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked into Zhang Zuolin's eyes.

"Brother Zhang, Li Ling's next target is you." He enunciated each word clearly. "You need to prepare early."

Zhang Zuolin's smile stiffened, but he quickly returned to normal.

"I know." He put down his wine glass. "That is why I am already preparing. Building fortifications, stockpiling grain and fodder, training the New Army... even if Li Ling comes, I am confident I can hold him off for three months."

"Three months?" Yuan Shikai shook his head. "Not enough. Li Ling's troops are too strong. They have airplanes, long-range artillery, automatic rifles, and Special Forces. In three months, you will not even see them before you are blown to pieces."

Zhang Zuolin's expression finally changed.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Two methods." Yuan Shikai held up two fingers. "First, seek aid from the Great Powers. Although Li Ling defeated the United Fleet, the Great Powers will not let it go. If we can win over Meijian Country or the British, and have them restrain Li Ling from behind, we will have a chance to catch our breath."

"Second, unite with Warlord Yan Xishan. Although he surrendered to Li Ling, it might not be sincere. If we can pull him over, and we attack from three sides, Li Ling will be caught in a pincer, and our chances of winning will be much higher."

Zhang Zuolin pondered for a moment and nodded slowly.

"Makes sense. I will send someone to handle it right away."

Part 5: The System's "Singing and Dancing Insights"

When Li Ling received the telegram from the cavalry division, he was eating breakfast in the command post.

The telegram was short: "Yuan Shikai has fled into Shenyang and taken refuge with Zhang Zuolin. We pursued and annihilated over three thousand remnants, seizing countless supplies."

"He ran." Li Ling threw the telegram on the table. "He ran to Zhang Zuolin."

The Chief of Staff frowned: "My Lord, should we pursue the victory and attack Shenyang directly?"

"No rush." Li Ling picked up his porridge bowl and took a sip. "Zhang Zuolin is different from Yuan Shikai. He has operated in the Northeast for over a decade, has deep roots, and has connections with Japan and Russia. We cannot rush in attacking him; we must take it slowly."

"Then what should we do next?"

"First, digest the gains." Li Ling put down the bowl. "Over in Shanxi, Warlord Yan Xishan has already surrendered. Send people to take over his territory and army; keep what can be used and disband the rest. Here in Zhili, we must establish local government as soon as possible, restore production, and comfort the people."

"Yes."

Li Ling stood up and walked to the map. His gaze shifted from Zhili to Shanxi, from Shanxi to the Northeast, and finally landed on the southern provinces.

"The next target is the South." He muttered to himself. "But before attacking the South, we must stabilize the Northeast. Zhang Zuolin is someone we cannot afford to ignore."

He silently recited in his heart: "System, are you there?"

No response.

"System?"

Still no response.

Li Ling sighed. This system was becoming increasingly unreliable. Ever since it found that so-called singing and dancing system, it would disappear every few days. Sometimes it would not show up all day, and sometimes it would pop up, say "I am busy," and disappear again.

Just as he was about to give up, the system's voice suddenly rang in his mind, with a hint of guilt: "Hmm? What is it? I was just processing some... uh... important matters."

"What important matters?" Li Ling asked.

"I was researching a new type of... rhythm algorithm." The system said solemnly. "You do not know, the singing and dancing system has a lot of advanced... uh... rhythm control technology, which has reference value for our military operations."

Li Ling rolled his eyes: "You were just off wooing the mother system; do not think I do not know."

"Host, you are being very impolite." The system said righteously. "I am working."

"Fine, fine, you are working." Li Ling could not be bothered to argue. "Let me ask you, what advice do you have regarding Zhang Zuolin?"

The system was silent for a few seconds, then said: "Zhang Zuolin is harder to deal with than Yuan Shikai. He has operated in the Northeast for many years, has his own team, and has close relations with the Great Powers. But he has a weakness—he is too dependent on his subordinates. If the Host can turn his generals, like Yang Yuting or Guo Songling, Zhang Zuolin will be nothing to worry about."

Li Ling's eyes lit up: "Turn them? That is a good idea."

"In addition," the system continued, "I have researched a new tactic called 'Firepower Coverage plus Psychological Warfare.' First, use long-range artillery and Air Force to bomb the enemy's command system and logistics, then use leaflets, broadcasts, and other methods to disintegrate the enemy's morale, and finally advance with the main force. This can minimize our casualties to the greatest extent."

Li Ling nodded and recorded it in his notebook.

"System, why are you so reliable today?" He asked. "Did you learn something from the singing and dancing system?"

"Host, please do not make associations." The system's tone had a hint of embarrassment. "I have always been reliable; you just did not notice before."

"Forget it, you were just off wooing the mother system." Li Ling laughed loudly. "However, since you have learned new things, use them well. Once we take the Northeast, I will treat you and that singing and dancing system to a meal."

"Host, the system does not need to eat."

"Then you can watch us eat."

"...Host, you win."

Outside the window, the heavy snow had just cleared, and sunlight shone through the clouds onto the snow, refracting a dazzling light.