Wang Bing's Victory Army, though numbering only three thousand, were elites who had long fought with him in the northwest.
In the face of absolute elites, even if these rebels held an advantage in numbers, they would likely gain no benefit when the real fighting began.
However, Wang Bing also understood that the refugees would not fear them.
To make these coerced refugees change direction and obey them was a fool's dream.
"We are wearing the uniforms of the imperial army, so of course the common people are not afraid. But what if it were a stampede of startled beasts?"
Seeing Wang Bing's furrowed brow, Han Mo suddenly spoke.
"You mean the cattle and horses in the rear camp?"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Wang Bing's eyes lit up.
"We encountered refugees and, to avoid a surprise attack by rebels among them, we set up camp. However, the cattle and horses in the rear camp were startled, and even if some civilians were injured, it couldn't be helped..."
At a time of life and death, Han Mo would not indulge in misplaced kindness.
As long as there was a plausible explanation to satisfy the censors in court, he would not concern himself with the rest.
"Indeed, a brilliant plan! Come, assemble at the rear camp and gather all the cattle and horses!"
Seeing that the distance between the two sides was closing, Wang Bing could no longer afford to hesitate.
"General Wang, this is a last resort. At this moment, we should first select some quick-witted personnel and have them try to divert these refugees!"
Although this was indeed a good idea, Han Mo knew that if they truly did this, the civilians among the refugees would suffer heavy casualties.
For the last shred of conscience he had left, Han Mo still wanted to make a final effort.
As long as they were willing to bypass the army, the rest would be easier to handle.
"That goes without saying. I have already dispatched people, but it seems the effect has been minimal..."
"Do what we can, and leave the rest to fate!"
After saying this, Han Mo decisively closed his mouth. All he could do was offer advice; the specific decisions still rested with Wang Bing.
"Is everything prepared?"
Several miles away, amidst the refugee convoy, a thin, bald man lowered his voice and asked his followers.
"General, rest assured. General Shi's side has just sent word that everything is ready. As long as we can force Wang Bing onto the narrow path, even if they sprout wings, they won't be able to escape!"
"Good! Tell the brothers, whoever can bring me Wang Bing's head, I, Fang Qifo, will reward them with ten beautiful women and a thousand taels of gold!"
As Fang Qifo spoke, he chuckled and scratched his bald head.
"Yes!"
At his words, the burly men beside him immediately responded and then turned to re-enter the crowd.
"Hear ye, hear ye! The Great Song Imperial Army camp lies ahead. Retreat immediately! Those who dare to charge the camp will be put to death without mercy!"
Just as Fang Qifo had finished his arrangements, he saw Song soldiers shouting in the distance.
"General, should we take care of them?"
Seeing that the refugees' advance had suddenly slowed, Fang Qifo's rebel soldiers couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
"Wait a moment longer, let them get closer before we act!"
Although they were less than three li from Wang Bing's formation, Fang Qifo knew that once they made their move, Wang Bing would immediately prepare for battle and offer no opening.
While the imperial armies of the southeastern provinces of the Great Song were indeed rotten, Wang Bing led the elite of the Western Army.
Although these refugees numbered fifty thousand, his own soldiers were only slightly over seven thousand.
Despite holding a numerical advantage, if Wang Bing were given ample time to prepare, even with an additional seven thousand men, they would gain no advantage.
There was only one opportunity. Only by rushing them at close range and launching a surprise attack could they hope for victory.
"Yes!"
Although the soldiers dispatched by the Song had tried their best to obstruct them, the vast refugee convoy made it difficult to stop them.
"We can't wait any longer, tell them to advance!"
Half an hour later, seeing that the refugees were less than five hundred paces from the camp, Wang Bing hardened his heart and, with a forceful sweep of his right hand, gave the order.
"Retreat—"
Following his command, the three thousand Victory Army soldiers stepped forward in unison, shouting with a killing intent.
Although Liu Ming's forces greatly outnumbered these soldiers, the pressure of their killing intent involuntarily caused the refugee ranks to halt.
"Retreat—"
"Retreat—"
"Retreat—"
With three shouts, the three thousand soldiers advanced another three paces.
Swords were drawn, arrows were nocked, and the sky-piercing killing intent caused the refugee ranks opposite them to become chaotic once more.
"General, what do we do?"
Seeing the refugees ahead stop their advance, the soldiers beside Fang Qifo grew anxious.
"Tell the brothers, attack!"
Gazing at the nearby general's banner, Fang Qifo's lips curled into a cold smile.
Although the imperial army had adopted a stance ready for battle, he had never believed they would dare to strike at these common people.
At his command, a soldier behind Fang Qifo immediately pulled out a signal flag from his back and waved it in the air a few times. Suddenly, shouts erupted from the rear of the entire refugee convoy.
"Kill these sons of bitches! There's food in the camp, whoever grabs it claims it!"
With thousands of people acting in unison, the refugees at the forefront became hesitant.
Some of the more astute ones, sensing that something was amiss, immediately prepared to flee.
However, before they could take more than a few steps, their throats were slit from behind.
"Let's charge together, we'll be saved if we rush into the camp!"
"Someone's killing people!"
"Run!"
As these rebel soldiers initiated their plan, the entire refugee convoy descended into chaos again. Startled, the refugees, like headless flies, fled in all directions, desperate for survival.
Fang Qifo seemed to have anticipated this. He had long since ambushed a thousand elites to block the refugees' path. Any refugee who dared to retreat was cut down by a sword.
Under the terror of death, the refugees could only turn their direction once more and head towards the imperial army's camp...