Gao Jie did not rush to attack upon reaching the battlefield. His long-range strike had already exhausted most of the horses' stamina; if the battle were not concluded quickly, the cavalry would be forced to dismount and fight on foot. Without chariots or long spears, they would be no match for professional infantry. Furthermore, as a former rebel himself, Gao Jie knew the Shun Army's tactics like the back of his hand. He devised a targeted plan accordingly.
Yuan Zongdi watched the thousands of cavalrymen slowly approaching from the distance. Seeing the prominent "Gao" character on the banners, he was not entirely surprised. Aside from Gao Jie, he could think of no other Ming Army general who would be so aggressive. To prevent a surprise raid, Yuan Zongdi ordered, "Pass the word: right flank chariots in front, spearmen behind, archers and sword-and-shield troops standing abreast. They are light cavalry and cannot break our formation. As long as we withstand their arrow volleys, victory is ours." The right flank quickly shifted, assuming a defensive posture.
Gao Jie smirked, ordering his five thousand cavalrymen into a horizontal line to slowly press toward Yuan Zongdi’s right flank. Seeing the shift on the field, Huang Degong knew the critical moment had arrived. He shouted to his messenger, "Order Wang Yongji to lead his cavalry to outflank the rebel left. Leave the rebel right to Gao Jie. The rest will follow me in a frontal assault!"
Chapter 305