Chapter 124: Recapturing Blacksoil Fortress

This time, Chen Mu gave the order decisively to deploy into a siege formation. Unusually, the Great Xia army did not launch their offensive from the nearest gate, the East Gate, but instead deliberately maneuvered to the area outside the North Gate.

The heavy artillery was positioned in the center. Once the range was calibrated, the cannons slid down along their rails to the ground, and their support struts were driven firmly into the soil. The light artillery did not need to be unloaded; the vehicles were parked directly on either side of the heavy cannons, keeping their barrels at a level angle, ready to engage the incoming enemy. The musketeers took up positions further out to protect the flanks of the artillery.

Once preparations were complete, Chen Mu ordered the heavy artillery to open fire. Fifty explosive shells whistled through the sky before detonating atop the fortress walls.

This time, the enemy forces within Black Soil Fortress, aware of the disparity in range, emerged directly—and in even greater numbers than before. Chen Mu estimated there were over ten thousand, all clad in civilian clothing and armed with hammers.

Chen Mu did not order the light artillery to fire. Instead, he had the front-line musketeers bring out specialized crossbows to launch tear gas canisters at the enemy. Hundreds of canisters flew into the enemy ranks, shattering upon impact, and the finely ground chili powder inside was carried by the north wind into a thick, swirling cloud.

The Western Kingdom’s militia fell into immediate disarray. Blinded and unable to see, they stopped to rub their eyes, but to no avail. The troops behind them, unaware of the situation, continued to charge forward, only to suffer the same fate. Because the Great Xia army occupied the northern position, the north wind swept the chili powder across the entire battlefield.

Chen Mu had only fired one round of tear gas, yet the results were even better than expected. With that, he resumed the bombardment of Black Soil Fortress.

The Western Kingdom’s general inside the city was baffled. "Why have the Great Xia forces stopped firing their cannons? Why aren't the cannon fodder rushing forward?"

A young officer nearby shouted, "General! It seems they have launched something."

As he spoke, the chili powder was blown into the city by the wind, causing everyone to cough violently.

"Cough, cough... This is witchcraft! It must be the black magic of the Xia people!"

"Flank them! We must circle around and attack from another direction!"

Receiving the order, the young officer immediately ran off to rally the cavalry for a sortie.

Outside the walls, Chen Mu sensed the timing was right and ordered the entire army to advance slowly, pushing the artillery barrage toward the city. At that moment, two cavalry units charged out from Black Soil Fortress, taking a wide arc to assault the Great Xia forces.

Chen Mu smiled. "Coming out to die—I anticipated this."

"Light artillery, shift aim! Musketeers, shift aim!"

At Chen Mu’s command, the light artillery units turned to the sides, while the musketeers pushed their vehicles forward, forming a wide fan shape in preparation to fire. As the enemy entered range, Chen Mu gave a sharp wave of his hand. "Fire!"

Two hundred explosive shells erupted amidst the enemy ranks, sending men and horses flying. Combined with the precision fire from the musketeers, the Western Kingdom’s forces were unable to close the distance.

Seeing this, the Western officer changed tactics, veering to charge directly at the Great Xia’s heavy artillery. Chen Mu nodded slightly. "Good. Truly fearless."

"Heavy artillery, cease fire! Light artillery, move up! Musketeers, close ranks!"

The heavy artillery was currently aimed at the city walls; turning them for direct fire would be too slow, and their low rate of fire made them unsuitable for engaging cavalry. However, the light artillery, mounted on electric-tracked vehicles, was highly maneuverable and quickly blocked the path in front of the heavy guns. The musketeers also converged toward the center, maintaining a steady stream of fire against the Western forces.

The Western cavalry did not falter, launching a suicidal charge. Many managed to break through the barrage and fire their own weapons, but their numbers were ultimately too few, and the Great Xia army suffered minimal casualties.

The general inside the city had been pleased when the heavy artillery stopped, but seeing the current outcome, he realized something was wrong. If they continued like this, they would lose all their cavalry without inflicting significant damage on the Great Xia army. He hastily ordered a retreat.

The young officer outside, though unwilling, had no choice but to withdraw. As the Western forces retreated, their formation collapsed into chaos; many horses lost their way and bolted in panic. The Great Xia artillery and muskets continued to fire relentlessly, cutting down another large group of Western soldiers. In the end, only half of the cavalry returned.

Chen Mu ordered his army to reform their siege formation and resumed shelling the walls. Seeing that they could not counterattack, the Western forces inside simply abandoned the city through the West Gate.

Meanwhile, the wretched militia remained on the battlefield, wailing in agony. Chen Mu first ordered his soldiers to take the Western militiamen captive, then dispatched a small team into the city to confirm that the Western forces had truly retreated before allowing his main army to take control of Black Soil Fortress.

Chen Mu inspected the cannons, firearms, and ammunition left behind by the Westerners. He found no significant advancements, suggesting they were still preoccupied with searching for oil. It was a pity that, even if they worked themselves to death, they would find very little in this land.

A while later, the translator, Ulila, returned to report. "Your Royal Highness, I have interrogated the Western militia. This is what they say..."

Chen Mu had been curious as to why these Slavs were willing to risk their lives for the Westerners. Upon hearing Ulila’s explanation, he felt both amused and exasperated. Their reason for following the Westerners was simple: they had previously traded with Great Xia, where they had to use local products to exchange for food and supplies. The Westerners, however, gave them supplies directly without demanding payment. Coupled with the fact that the Westerners possessed equally powerful weapons, they had pledged their loyalty to them.

Chen Mu spoke to Ulila with a sigh: "Go tell them that Great Xia trades with them not because we lack their goods, but out of respect for their sovereignty. The Westerners may provide supplies on the surface, but in reality, they are enslaving them. Are their lives worth so little? Do the iron and coal the Westerners mine here not belong to the Slavs themselves?"

Ulila bowed. "Yes, Your Royal Highness. I know what to say."

Watching Ulila depart, Chen Mu lamented, "The culture here is too backward. Their minds are dull, and they are happy to be used as pawns. It seems we must pay more attention to exporting Great Xia’s culture in the future."

Chen Mu remained at Black Soil Fortress for the time being, repairing the fortifications while having Great Xia send reinforcements to guard the stronghold. He knew he could not rush the next offensive; he needed to gather intelligence first. He dispatched the first group of Great Xia spies—Xiongnu people recommended by Ulila who were friendly to Great Xia. Their language was very similar to that of the Slavs of the Black Soil, and after some training, they were fully capable of passing as locals.