The border between Qin and Han was no place for the weak. The rivers were more torrential, the forests denser, and the mountains steeper. But for Ri Yami and his unit, it was the stage where they would forge their true reputation.
Mobilization and Deployment
It was a gray dawn when the order arrived at Ri Yami's barracks. They were being transferred to the Qin-Han border, known for constant skirmishes and direct clashes between rival troops. There would be no time for pause or rest. The Qin army had to reinforce its positions and contain frequent incursions from Han.
Yami observed the map spread out on the table. The border lines snaked among hills and rivers, with scarce and rough roads. The border was a difficult war zone, but perfect for a strategist.
His 500 men —300 light infantry, of which 100 already wore heavy armor; 100 archers; 50 cavalry; 30 logistics; and 20 medical unit— prepared to depart.
Thanks to the loot accumulated from attacks on Han caravans, Yami had invested 500 gold pieces in upgrading the equipment of all his troops. The heavy armor had been reinforced with additional plates and better steel. Spears and swords were forged with finer techniques, and the archers received more resilient and accurate bows, along with new, better-designed arrows. Even the cavalry, previously limited, now had better mounts and armor for their riders.
This leap in quality was evident in troop morale: his men knew they were better prepared for what was to come.
First Skirmishes: Reconnaissance and Traps
In the first week, Ri's unit deployed patrols through the wooded areas and hills near the Han River. The enemy, equal in number but with inferior armament and formation, conducted small incursions to seize supplies or destabilize positions.
Yami knew a frontal confrontation wouldn't be advantageous without preparing the ground. So he began designing traps and ambushes. In a forest clearing, he ordered the construction of camouflaged pits and hidden nets that could trip horses or immobilize light infantry. His archers were positioned in elevated spots, protected by shields and thick bushes.
In one of these first skirmishes, an enemy Han detachment of 60 soldiers attempted to cross the river at a narrow point. Ri's unit let them approach, and then, with a quick hand signal from Wei Long, they began firing precise arrows, taking down the first enemies and sowing panic.
The ambush closed with Jian Mu's cavalry advancing from the flanks, preventing any retreat. More than 30 enemies were captured, and the rest fled with heavy losses.
Second Skirmish: The Siege of Zhang Hill
A few weeks later, reports indicated a Han unit had taken a strategic hill: Zhang, which commanded the main pass. If it wasn't recovered, it would be a mortal blow to Qin's defense.
Yami gathered his captains: Lao Chen, Wei Long, Ming Tao, and Han Jin, plus Jian Mu and Rang Shu. The unit divided into three groups:
Heavy infantry, under Lao Chen and Han Jin, would attack frontally to fix the enemy in place.
The archers, led by Rang Shu, would take positions in a nearby forest to shoot at the defenders.
The cavalry, with Jian Mu and a small light detachment, would circle the hill to cut off any escape.
The assault began with a strong and slow frontal advance, while Rang Shu's arrows rained down on the hill. The Han unit resisted, well-armed and high in morale, but the siege soon caused casualties.
To the enemy's surprise, Yami ordered horns and drums sounded at different points, simulating reinforcements arriving from several directions. This confused the defenders, who sent troops to cover imaginary flanks.
With that error, Jian Mu's cavalry charged from the rear, unleashing chaos.
Finally, after hours of exhausting combat, Zhang Hill fell and the Han unit was decimated.
Third Skirmish: Ambush at Yelan Pass
The border gave no respite. At the narrow Yelan pass, between two mountains, a Han unit tried to infiltrate reconnaissance troops.
Yami had foreseen this and placed traps and alarm signals with his light units. When the enemy unit entered, it fell into a trap of nets and hidden spears under the underbrush.
Archers opened fire from above, while the heavy infantry blocked the entrance and the cavalry cut off any escape.
It was a quick but intense skirmish, ending with survivors captured and valuable intelligence gained about enemy movements.
Unit Evolution
During the year assigned to the border, Ri Yami not only perfected ambush and defense tactics in difficult terrain, but also worked on the cohesion of his men. Communication between captains improved noticeably, units trained together and adapted quickly to orders.
Constant training and improved equipment raised morale, and although casualties were not few, fighting spirit and confidence in their commander kept them steadfast.
Yami implemented a reconnaissance and messaging system with small groups of scouts who could move quickly and bring vital information.
Tensions and Leadership
Not everything was easy. Some officers doubted Yami's tactics, preferring traditional frontal clashes, and there were moments when losses weighed heavily on morale.
But Yami knew how to maintain discipline, use internal diplomacy, and lead by example to strengthen the unit.
Lao Chen, the heavy infantry veteran, became one of his main supporters, defending Yami's strategic vision before more conservative captains.
Wei Long, always observant, contributed ideas to improve logistics and communication.
Ming Tao and Han Jin brought valor on the field, leading close to their men.
Jian Mu and Rang Shu made the cavalry and archers perform far beyond expectations.
End of the Year at the Border
When Ri's unit was relieved, they had endured a year and a half of constant combat. They had resisted, learned, and earned respect.
Yami knew this stage marked a before and after. The war would not be easy, but his unit was ready for new challenges.