Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In this extremely unfavorable and uncertain situation, the sinister E'he and Shao'ge secretly made an agreement with the tribal leaders, stating that if the situation truly became unsustainable, they would step forward as the vanguard and lead the Qiang people in surrender to Ma Chao. With E'he and Shao'ge willing to take this key role, the other small tribal leaders, who had been wavering, gradually calmed down and, after careful consideration, finally resolved not to risk their lives for Mi Tang.

With the unwavering support of these small tribal leaders, E'he and Shao Ge's movements in and out of the camp were less likely to attract significant attention. Every day, E'he and Shao Ge would discreetly dispatch members of their own tribes to deliver crucial information to the Xiliang camp. Upon hearing this news, Pang De was overcome with excitement, his emotions surging. However, after calming down and reflecting, he realized that the limited forces at his disposal would not be enough to completely wipe out Mi Tang and his forces. This filled him with deep anxiety. After careful consideration, Pang De anxiously dispatched a small force to quickly meet Ma Chao, in order to convey the situation and their plans to him. He hoped to meet with Ma Chao as soon as possible to discuss countermeasures, better navigate the complex and pressing situation, and fully prepare for the various possible scenarios.

Ma Chao was on the march when he suddenly encountered a small force arriving to support him. Upon receiving this news, Ma Chao and his fellow generals were overjoyed, their once solemn faces lit up with joy. They then sent a message to Pang De, instructing them to immediately attack the Eastern Qiang camp upon their arrival. They emphasized that while this attack was underway, Pang De should also immediately mobilize his troops to counterattack the Eastern Qiang camp from another direction, thus achieving a pincer attack. Ma Chao also instructed Pang De to deliver a message to the E'he and Shao'ge tribes, informing them that during the general attack, any Qiang soldiers who wished to surrender should lay down their weapons and tie blue bands around their arms to identify them and prevent innocent casualties. After completing all these preparations, Ma Chao and his men immediately set out. He passionately encouraged morale, his heroic words stirring the hearts of every soldier, their blood boiling and their fighting spirit soaring. Then, Ma Chao led them in an accelerated march towards the Dongqiang camp.

Once all these meticulous arrangements were complete, Ma Chao and his troops, along with the Chou Li Ji, marched for a full day and night. They rode tirelessly, enduring hardships and difficulties before finally reaching the scene, the site of what would become the battlefield. Upon scouting the Qiang camp from afar, Ma Chao decisively ordered the soldiers to rest and recuperate, ensuring they would be fully energized for the upcoming battle. He then instructed the Xiliang camp to prepare for battle and to send word to E He and Shao Ge, informing them of the impending battle and urging them to make advance deployments.

Once the soldiers had recovered their strength, Ma Chao, his face stern, his eyes gleaming with determination and courage, waved his hand fiercely and launched into a swift and furious attack without hesitation. He led the charge, his horse at the head, like a gust of wind. A heavy, stirring horn suddenly blared, a declaration of war that resonated across heaven and earth. Immediately afterwards, the war drums roared with resounding force. The dense, resounding drumbeats, like thunder, shook the entire wilderness.

The people in the Eastern Qiang camp were still immersed in their daily routine, completely unaware of the approaching danger. When they heard the thunderous sound of horse hooves and the passionate blast of trumpets, it was too late to react effectively. The Western Liang army rushed over like a tidal wave. Like tigers descending from the mountains, they brandished their sharp weapons and shouted as they charged towards the enemy. Their momentum was like an overwhelming force, instantly putting the enemy under immense pressure.

Ma Chao led the charge, his spear wielding like a dragon, crushing enemies wherever he went. He weaved through the enemy lines with unparalleled bravery and commanding presence. The soldiers behind him followed closely, coordinating seamlessly to form a formidable attacking force. Pang De's scouts had already detected the devastating roar. Upon hearing Ma Chao's warning, the men braced for battle. Pang De and his generals, without hesitation, led their entire army and a host of other officers, leaving only a handful of men to defend the Xiliang camp. The crucial decisive battle finally began. The cries of battle, the clash of weapons, and the clashing of blood and fire resonated across the heavens, creating a breathtaking spectacle of war.

On the turbulent battlefield, Pang De, Xu Huang, Zhang Xiu, and other awe-inspiring generals led their armies in a swift, thunderous charge, joining the fierce battle like a surging tide. The smaller tribes of the Eastern Qiang, as previously agreed, had already tied blue strips of cloth around their arms before daybreak, symbolizing their surrender. Some even proactively opened the heavy gates of their camps, eagerly awaiting the unimpeded arrival of the Western Liang army.

However, the crucial position facing the Xiliang camp was firmly guarded by the sturdy Qiang soldiers of Mi Tang's trusted tribe. Their faces were stern, their eyes revealing a resolute determination, as if they were determined to hold their ground to the bitter end, fighting the invading enemy to the bitter end. Even some of the leaders of smaller tribes, fearless of danger, resolutely stood alongside these trusted Qiang soldiers of Mi Tang, seemingly prepared for a difficult standoff, in order to successfully open the city gates. For a moment, the entire scene became extremely chaotic, filled with tension and conflict.

As the Xiliang army surged forward like a tide, they collided instantly with the Qiang soldiers of Mi Tang's trusted tribe, and battle erupted immediately. Soldiers on both sides, like ferocious tigers, brandished their weapons, their cries of battle resounding through the air. Relying on their well-trained combat prowess, the Xiliang soldiers charged forward courageously, their swords and spears flashing with a cold gleam, each swing carrying a deadly threat. Undeterred, Mi Tang's trusted tribesmen, in turn, capitalized on the terrain and their own fierceness to desperately resist the Xiliang assault. The clash of swords, cries of killing, and screams mingled in a scene of unparalleled ferocity. Blood splattered everywhere, staining the ground crimson, and limbs flew through the chaos of the battle. Life, in this moment, felt so fragile and so cheap.

Amidst this chaotic and brutal battle, many Qiang soldiers, eager to surrender, clutched their weapons but ultimately could not bring themselves to wield them against their former compatriots. Their hearts were filled with conflict and turmoil, and they could only stand by silently. Watching their former companions, those they had once shared life and battle with, now slain on the battlefield, their hearts filled with endless sorrow and pain. Their eyes revealed a deep sense of helplessness and desolation, as if their very souls were torn apart by the cruel scene. They knew that no matter which side won, the pain would be unbearable. They could only pray silently for a swift end to the slaughter and for peace to arrive soon.

Of the Qiang soldiers who fought desperately on the battlefield, some were instantly slain by the sharp blades of the Xiliang soldiers, falling in pools of blood; others, gravely wounded, fought tenaciously, upholding their loyalty and convictions. Each Qiang soldier's death brought an inexpressible sadness to the hearts of those who stood by and watched. They watched their compatriots being slaughtered, their hearts flooded with sorrow. They wanted to cry, but their tears had long been dried by the harsh reality. They seemed to see the future of their nation filled with confusion and darkness, unsure of what fate this war would bring them. Amidst this atmosphere of bloodshed and slaughter, they felt insignificant and helpless, watching helplessly as all this unfolded.