There was no need for an alarm bell; the thunderous commotion itself served as the best warning. However, the Jin soldiers who had been reveling all night were, for the most part, completely drunk.
Forget about them wielding swords and spears to fight against the Song soldiers. At this moment, getting them to form a battle formation was an impossible feat.
"Sixth Brother, we must flee! We can't hold them off!"
Seeing the Song army on the verge of breaching the main camp, the Liao defectors on the city walls didn't even attempt to resist. They immediately scattered and fled.
On one side were well-trained and finely equipped soldiers, while on the other were a mob of drunken men, most of whom were utterly insensible. The collision between these two forces could only have one outcome.
The moment Yue Fei led his men into the Jin army's encampment, it was already destined to be a one-sided slaughter.
Even among the elite guards, there were individuals of exceptional bravery, but facing the Song army, which was well-equipped and highly disciplined, they could only be swiftly cut down.
By the time the horizon showed a hint of white, the entire Yuguan had fallen completely into the hands of the Song army.
"General, we have won!"
When the sounds of fighting finally ceased, Xu Qing, beaming with excitement, approached Yue Fei.
"Order the men to collect supplies. Take everything we can carry, and burn the rest!"
Bathing in the surrounding firelight and gazing at the majestic city walls before him, Yue Fei felt a surge of emotion. Yet, he knew in his heart that this was not a place to linger.
The importance of their mission lay in destruction, in causing a major disturbance!
The ultimate goal was to force the Jin people back to the negotiating table.
Without sufficient manpower, even if this city were to fall into their hands, it would soon be recaptured.
"Understood!"
Upon receiving his command, the Song soldiers quickly began gathering supplies within the city.
The granaries storing food in Yuguan became their primary targets, as the land was in a state of turmoil.
Even with the East India Company continuously shipping grain from overseas, there was never enough.
The Jin soldiers were predominantly cavalry, which greatly facilitated Yue Fei's efforts.
With little effort, they acquired thousands of excellent warhorses.
Looking at these steeds, each standing nearly five feet at the shoulder, Yue Fei found himself in a quandary.
If these warhorses could all be transported back to the Great Song, their value would be immeasurable.
After all, both the former Liao and the current Jin had always maintained strict controls over warhorses.
The Great Song's shortage of horses was no new issue.
Acquiring thousands of superior breeding horses at once was something they had never dared to imagine before.
But now that fortune had smiled upon them, the greatest challenge was how to safely deliver them back to the Great Song.
To maintain sufficient combat strength, they had brought a large number of soldiers. If they were to also transport so many warhorses, and then encounter the Jin navy, the situation would become truly troublesome.
"General, the carts in the city are readily available. I've already had the men start loading them. I estimate we'll be done by noon!"
As a hub for grain transportation, this place certainly had no shortage of horse-drawn and ox-drawn carts. After reporting their spoils, even Xu Qing's face wore a hint of joy.
"Alright, see how many have been loaded. Have the men take away a batch first. I'll write you a letter, and you'll deliver it to General Li to see how he wishes to proceed!"
After a moment's hesitation, Yue Fei decided to discuss the matter with Li Bao first.
They were too far from Han Mo's location for even carrier pigeons to convey the report in time.
What to do at this juncture depended entirely on the outcome of his discussion with Li Bao!
"Didn't we win the battle? Why do you look so worried?"
Seeing the concern on Yue Fei's face, Xu Qing asked with some bewilderment.
"We've captured a bit too much this time. Getting all these things back won't be easy..."
As Yue Fei spoke, a wry smile touched his lips. Having too many spoils was also a source of trouble!
"But don't we have ships? If we don't have enough large vessels, can't we just transport them directly?"
"You make it sound so simple. Tens of thousands of shi of grain, plus so many warhorses. If we cram all of it onto the ships, will we even be able to fight anymore..."
Hearing Yue Fei's words, Xu Qing was instantly struck silent. It seemed he had a point.
"Then what do we do now?"
"Enough, enough. Let's not waste any more time here. I'll first convey my thoughts to General Li. If he agrees, then that's what we'll do. If he disagrees, then at worst, we'll burn it all!"
Compared to the grain, Yue Fei was more interested in these warhorses.
According to his plan, he intended to use warships to transport the grain and warhorses to nearby islands for safekeeping.
Once they had dealt with the Jin navy, they could then consider the matter of the warhorses.
After all, with so much grain, the horses' sustenance should not be a major issue for the time being.
Although this method was somewhat risky, and if discovered by the Jin people, all their efforts would be in vain, but who could blame them for being so poor?
Poverty breeds short-sightedness, and a lean horse grows a long coat. When one's vision is limited, there is nothing to be done!
"Understood!"
Hearing Yue Fei's words, Xu Qing did not dare to delay. After Yue Fei finished writing the letter, he immediately led a contingent of cavalry, escorting several hundred carts, towards the sea.
An hour later, Li Bao finally read Yue Fei's letter.
After viewing the warhorses by the shore and hearing a detailed account of the battle from Xu Qing, Li Bao fell into a brief period of deliberation.
Warriors have always loved horses, this has been true since ancient times.
Even Li Bao, a naval general, felt a pang of covetousness upon seeing these excellent warhorses.
"Very well, we'll do as Brother Yue suggests. I'll have someone search for a suitable island immediately!"
After only a quarter of an hour of contemplation, Li Bao made his decision.
While this course of action carried risks, these spoils were essentially free. Even if they were eventually recaptured by the Jin, it would merely involve some extra effort.
But if they could indeed deliver these goods back to the Great Song, their achievements would be monumental!
"Understood!"