Four hundred Ming Army cavalry formed a solid defensive line around Li Xingzhong with their own flesh and blood. There were one hundred riders on each side. Each of these four groups was further divided into four lines of twenty-five riders each. Facing an enemy ten times their number, these Ming Army soldiers showed not a hint of fear, raising their blades to engage.
They were Li Xingzhong’s personal guard, his house troops—an elite force built by Li Xingzhong with gold. What defined this elite? First, they were tall and sturdy, possessing strength and endurance that ranked among the absolute best. They wore the same armor as Li Xingzhong and carried the same weapons. Just standing there, they were a terrifying sight.
While the Mongol cavalry were also physically formidable, their equipment was inferior to the Ming Army's. The Ming soldiers were fully encased in armor, with protection covering even their faces. Seriously killing an armored Ming soldier was no simple task. At times, Mongol cavalry would swing their sabers until they were smoking, yet fail to breach the armor.
Chapter 861