roccoschili Chapter 84 Commando Team
Chapter 84 Commando Team
July 16th, the second year of the Tianqi reign, outside Yuncheng, at Lu Yan's camp.
The morning sun shone on the campsite, bringing a rare touch of warmth.
But the atmosphere in the camp was unusually tense. Everyone knew that the operation would take place tomorrow night, and it was a battle with a slim chance of survival.
Lu Yan stood in the open space in the center of the camp, with eighty people standing in front of him.
Fifty of them were handpicked from the local militia; each was agile, bold, and meticulous. The other thirty were veterans from Liaodong brought by Kong Youde; each was fierce and ruthless, exuding a murderous aura.
"From now on, you are the commando team."
Lu Yan's voice was not loud, but every word clearly reached the ears of everyone present.
"Tomorrow night, we will sneak into Yuncheng through the water gate, open the city gates, and let the main army into the city. This will be a tough battle, and there may be no return."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over each face.
"But I, Lu Yan, assure you—those who return alive will each receive a reward of fifty taels of silver; those who are injured will be cared for for life; and those who die will receive a pension of one hundred taels of silver, and their families will be supported by my Lu's Carriage and Horse Company to the very end."
There was a commotion in the group, but no one backed down.
Kong Youde stood at the front of the line, chuckled, and said loudly, "Scholar Lu, you've spoken frankly! I'll follow you!"
The veterans from Liaodong behind him echoed his sentiments, instantly making the atmosphere much more lively.
Lu Yan nodded, turned around and walked to a makeshift wooden table. On the table was the map of Yuncheng, and next to it were several strange objects.
"Now, I'll assign the tasks."
He picked up a wooden stick and pointed to the location of the water gate on the map.
"The assault team is divided into three squads. The first squad, led by Commander Kong, consists of thirty men and is responsible for the vanguard. Your mission is to be the first to break through the water gate, clear out the guards near the exit, and take control of the city gate tower."
Kong Youde grinned: "I love being at the forefront."
"The second team, led by Zhao Changying, consists of thirty men and is responsible for demolition and support. You will carry gunpowder and grenades. Once the first team succeeds, immediately follow up and blow open the city gate."
Zhao Changying clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "Understood."
"The third team, which I will personally lead, consists of twenty men and will be responsible for rearguard action and command. Once the city gates are opened, I will fire a signal flare to notify the main force outside the city to attack."
He put down the wooden stick and glanced at the crowd.
"The entire operation, from entering the water to opening the city gates, must be completed within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Beyond that time, the city's defenders will react, and we will be surrounded."
"So, be quick and ruthless, leave no survivors. Do you understand?"
"clear!"
Eighty people responded in unison.
……
After assigning tasks, Lu Yan began to introduce the equipment.
"This is a waterproof torch."
He picked up a torch covered in thick butter and showed it to everyone.
"The outer layer of tallow is waterproof, and once lit, it will burn for the time it takes to burn an incense stick in water. After entering the culvert, light one every ten steps; it will provide light and also guide those behind."
Kong Youde leaned closer to take a look, his eyes lighting up: "This thing is great! If I had had one of these back in Liaodong, so many brothers could have been saved!"
"This is a hand grenade."
Lu Yan then picked up an iron ball the size of a fist. A fuse was inserted into the iron ball, and its surface was pitted and uneven.
"Light the fuse, throw it out, and it will explode in three breaths. The kill radius is three zhang (approximately 10 meters). In a narrow alley, one bullet can kill more than a dozen people."
He handed the grenade to Kong Youde.
"Be careful, this thing is powerful, don't blow yourself up."
Kong Youde weighed the grenade in his hand, a look of excitement on his face.
"Scholar Lu, what's wrong with your brain? Waterproof torches, hand grenades—I've fought so many wars, and I've never seen such complete equipment."
"Warfare isn't about numbers, it's about equipment and tactics," Lu Yan said calmly. "Human lives are the most expensive cost. If a problem can be solved with money, don't use human lives to pay for it."
Kong Youde paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.
……
In the afternoon, Lu Yan led the assault team to a small river behind the camp for a live-fire exercise.
"The culvert was dark and smelly; you couldn't see your hand in front of your face."
He stood on the riverbank, watching his team members jump into the water one by one.
"So you must learn to move in the dark. Close your eyes, listen with your ears, and feel with your hands. Remember the breathing of the person in front of you, stay close to him, and don't fall behind."
Kong Youde's men were clearly more adapted to this environment. While in Liaodong, they had frequently raided Jurchen camps and were adept at operating in the dark.
Lu Yan's training of the troops was a bit lacking, and his movements were somewhat clumsy. But after an afternoon of repeated practice, he gradually got the hang of it.
"One more time!"
Lu Yan stood on the shore, constantly correcting the team members' movements.
"Get out of the water quickly, don't give the enemy time to react. First team, clear out the guards; second team, provide cover; third team, provide backup. Everyone do their job, don't panic!"
The drills continued until evening.
As the last ray of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, Lu Yan finally called for a halt.
That's all for today. Go back and get some rest to recharge. We'll depart promptly at midnight tomorrow.
The team members dispersed in twos and threes, and the camp gradually quieted down.
Lu Yan stood alone by the river, looking at the starlight reflected on the water, while planning his actions for tomorrow.
"Master."
Zhao Changying's voice came from behind.
"What's wrong?"
"Kong Youde wishes to see you."
Lu Yan turned around and saw Kong Youde standing not far away, with a rare seriousness on his face.
"Commander Kong, what's the matter?"
Kong Youde stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting.
"Scholar Lu, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."
"Speak freely."
"Tomorrow's operation is a gamble with a slim chance of survival. I'm not afraid to die, but these brothers under my command fought their way out of Liaodong with me, and I don't want them to die in vain."
He raised his head and looked directly at Lu Yan.
"So, I'd like to ask you something—Scholar Lu, how confident are you?"
Lu Yan remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.
"To tell you the truth, it's fifty percent."
"Fifty percent?" Kong Youde frowned.
"Yes, fifty percent." Lu Yan nodded. "But this is already the best opportunity. If we launch a full-scale attack, we won't even have a ten percent chance."
Kong Youde fell silent.
"Furthermore," Lu Yan continued, "I will go in with you. I, Lu Yan, never send my brothers to their deaths while I hide behind."
Kong Youde stared at Lu Yan for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.
"Good! Scholar Lu, you're a real man! I wasn't wrong about you!"
He patted Lu Yan's shoulder heavily.
"I'll fight you to the death tomorrow!"
After saying that, he turned and strode away, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.
Lu Yan watched his retreating figure, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Although Kong Youde was rough, he was a man of great loyalty and righteousness. Such a person is worth befriending.
He turned around and continued to look at the starlight on the water.
Tomorrow will be the moment of decisive battle.
Success or failure hinges on this moment.