Li Dingguo’s five thousand cavalrymen assembled rapidly, forming lines and awaiting orders. Li Dingguo spurred his horse to the front of the formation. He wore an iron helmet and a coat of gold-lacquered mountain-pattern armor. Under the sunlight, the heart-protecting mirror on his chest shone with a brilliant, dazzling light. Gold-lacquered mountain-pattern armor was the standard attire for high-ranking Ming generals, characterized primarily by its red and gold palette. In later years, a layer of fabric-covered armor was added underneath, providing not only top-tier protection against cold steel weapons but also robust defense against firearms.
Behind Li Dingguo stood two standard-bearers, each carrying two large banners: one, the national flag of the Great Ming, and the other, a command banner bearing the character "Li."
"Move out!" Li Dingguo led the charge himself, galloping toward the city of Puzhou. The iron hooves of the warhorses thundered against the earth. Like an arrow shot from a bow, the five thousand elite cavalrymen surged toward the Yuyuan Army encamped outside Puzhou. When they were three li away from the rebel camp, the five thousand cavalrymen came to a halt, spreading out into a long, horizontal line to face the enemy. The line stretched so far that it seemed endless. With their sturdy warhorses, gleaming armor, and vibrant banners, they presented an intimidating sight that felt impossible to meet head-on.
Chapter 886