For unit composition I contemplate maybe going with only two cavalry forces and therefore getting one of our top three leaders to serve as the main blow of the main force. It is a ten point difference(Yu Zhong(66) vs Zhu Fang (76), and I am not entirely sure if the split up into three separate units does not take too much away from the punching power of the respective cavalry units.
My initial idea would then be to put Zhu Fang in charge of one of the main forces and have Xu Jian be his sub-commander. Also put Qu Quan under Yu Zhong and leave Gong Su with Fang and Jian. The cavalry units form Fang's former unit would be split between Zhang Liao and Shu, with the former getting a little more than the latter.
Other option is to entrust the main force to Zhang Liao.
Has anyone an opinion on that?
My fear with Zhang Liao's plan is defeat in detail - all it takes is one bandit group to be unexpectant resilient or for our scouts to have missed an enemy reserve for our split cav to be targets of an organized counterattack, in which they are seperated from the infantry. If our Calvary gets mauled here, we can't capitalize on our victory even if we win.
I'd rather go with Zhu Fang's plan and just barrel forwards with all our forces - we wouldn't hit as many of the scattered enemy forces, but the morale shock would be greater and we'll be in a better position for the next phase of the battle - it's not going to be decided here. Instead keep the momentum up, split into two or three columns to smash enemy forces and wait for a response.
You would give our biggest tactical advantage out of our hands and then still want to end up doing the same thing Zhang Liao proposes right now just slower? That is not sound thinking. First you have to explain to me why cavalry would get easily locked down that they would not be able to disengage or how the bandits can essentially set up an ambush for them. Our most experienced, best equipped and led force will be pinned down and crushed or is in danger of it. If that is your fear, barreling forward would be the most idiotic plan possible. The amount of discipline and tactical foresight you attribute to the enemy is enormous and somehow only relevant for one scenario. Going by this line of thought defensive play or the ambush are the only possible option. Full on charge would be the worst.
If they are able, according to you, to regroup and counterattack when hit by cavalry attacks, why would they not be able to do the same against a far slower and more steady attack? Allowing the enemy to get into formation to withstand cavalry charges or bring their full numbers to bear is one if not the worst plans going forward. According to Cao Xing the enemy is currently vulnerable, because he is not in formation and dispersed. But this will not remain so, which is why speed is of the essence. Infantry is obviously slower than cavalry. There is no indication that an infantry charge will be able to do the same a cavalry charge will be able to do. If that was the case, Zhang Liao would not have proposed a cavalry charge.
This is the full enemy force split into smaller units, if we take our time and give them time to react to us this will turn into a slug fest. We cannot possibly want that. A slug fest will lead to higher casualties on our side and put our more valuable forces into a meat grinder.
I think you are wrong, we could actually decide the battle here depending on the initial results. And even if not, this is no reason to not go for the course of action which would put us into the most advantageous position possible.
For the ones voting for Yu Zhong's plan may I propose such a unit composition it would at least put one into existence:
-[] Yu Zhong's plan -Hide most of your men in a nearby abandoned village off the main road. Have some of your men with your carts of supplies on the main road, and have them feign fear and weakness, and scatter once they see the enemy. Whilst the bandits are busy looting your supplies, spring an ambush against them. May cost you Wealth.
--[] Ambush Force 1
---[] Leader - Zhang Liao
---[]Sub-leader - Qu Quan, Gong Su
---[]Troops - Liang 1st Levy, Taiyuan Youxia, 1st Infantry Unit, 1st Axe Infantry, Henei Woodsmen, Liang Guards, 7th Infantry Unit, 2nd Crossbow Unit
--[] Ambush Force 2
---[] Leader - Zhu Fang
---[]Sub-leader - Xu Jian, Bi Guang, Bo Ben
---[]Troops - Ce Clan Regulars, Yu Family Levy, Ji Household Recruits, 6th Infantry Unit, Qiancheng Volunteers, Ce An's Students, 1st Crossbow Unit
--[] Ambush Force 3
---[] Leader - Yu Zhong
---[]Sub-leader - Cao Xing, Xing Shi, Liang Da
---[]Troops - 1st Mounted Scouting Unit, Shangdang Sharpshooters, 1st Archer Unit, 3rd Archer Unit, 4th Archer Unit, 5th Archer Unit, Qiancheng Hunters
--[] Ambush Cavalry Force
---[] Leader - Liang Shu
---[]Sub-leader - Lu Lingqi, Ce Xiang
---[] Troops - Every Cavalry Unit, except Mounted Scouting Unit
