“The Xiongnu are attacking the city!”
Overnight, all four gates of Jinyang City were tightly closed, and all the people were summoned into the city. The news of the enemy’s invasion quickly spread through the streets and alleys.
Didn’t the large army just set out to attack Lishi? How come there are enemies attacking the city now? And it’s said that there are not only the Xiongnu but also the extremely fierce Xianbei people, who are a hundred times more brutal than the Xiongnu! Where are the commanders who should be defending the city? Is Lishi more important than Jinyang where they are?
There’s nothing more painful and despair-inducing than waiting to die. However, before the people could start panicking, a decree was issued from the Governor’s Mansion.
Governor Liang has sent for reinforcements, and the army that went to attack Lishi will return soon. Until the reinforcements arrive, he will lead the private soldiers of various prominent families, along with the young and strong warriors, to collectively defend the city gates!
When the enemy army is at the city gates, the most crucial factor is often not the number of defenders but the fighting spirit of the people in the city. This decree, like a gust of strong wind blowing through the hearts, instantly calmed the restless minds. Subsequently, the plain-clothed officials recruited the young and strong along the streets, and Sun Li also led people to various households to borrow private soldiers from those reluctant prominent families.
Early the next day, the gates of the Governor’s Mansion opened wide, and a group of soldiers with bright helmets and armor walked out of the gate. Among these hundreds of people, a man in armor sat tall on a horse. The elegant silk hat was replaced with a gleaming helmet, and the wide robe with large sleeves was changed to a thin cuirass with a pleated crotch. The man’s appearance remained the same, but in his expression, there was an added decisiveness and determination that made people dare not stare.
It was Governor Liang! The governor was indeed going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them, vowing to live or die with Jinyang!
The last bit of hesitation completely dissipated, and the people along the streets erupted into cheers. It seemed as if they were not in a besieged city, preparing to withstand an attack from a large army, but celebrating a future victory. Despite the cheers, there was no smile on Liang Feng’s face as he ascended the city gate.
Gearing up for battle, Ge Hong, with an anxious expression, approached: “Governor, why have you come? The city walls are dangerous; it’s not suitable to stay for long!”
“No worries.” Liang Feng gently pushed aside Ge Hong and looked down at the city. As far as the eye could see, there were people and horses everywhere. Yesterday evening, Liu Hu and the Bai Xianbei cavalry arrived in Jinyang. Instead of immediately attacking the city, they had built makeshift siege weapons below the city. With battering rams and siege ladders, even these nomadic people could attempt an assault. They were evidently well-prepared to seize Jinyang this time!
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This kind of attacking momentum was psychological coercion. If the defenders couldn’t handle the pressure, there was even a possibility of abandoning the city directly, just like how Sima Ying behaved in Ye City back then.
However, Liang Feng was not that kind of person. Just with a glance at the city below, he raised his voice and declared, “The large army on its way to Lishi will return soon. As long as everyone holds on for these few days, the enemy will return empty-handed. All the brave soldiers who ascend the city to face the enemy will be rewarded with a piece of silk! If we repel the Xiongnu, each will be rewarded with ten acres of land!”
The presence of the governor alongside them on the city wall was enough to inspire the people, not to mention such generous rewards. The young and strong who climbed the city walls immediately erupted into cheers. However, Ge Hong showed no joy on his face and whispered again, “Governor, the enemy is about to attack the city; it’s better to quickly descend from the city!”
“No need.” Liang Feng pushed Ge Hong gently aside and looked down at the city. “How many people are on the city walls now, Zhichuan?”
Ge Hong was momentarily stunned. “Less than two thousand.”
“Two thousand defenders and most of them are peasant conscripts who have never been on the battlefield. With this limited manpower facing an enemy five times their size, apart from military morale, what else can they rely on? If increasing morale means staying a little longer on this city wall, then I will stay!” Liang Feng’s voice showed no hint of compromise, resolute and determined.
“But weapons have no eyes. If someone gets injured…”
Ge Hong wanted to say something, but Liang Feng directly cut him off, “There are only these soldiers in the city. If the city falls, whether I stay in the mansion or on the city wall, what’s the difference? Don’t mind me; go and meet the enemy yourself!”
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Seeing Liang Feng’s firmness and looking at those soldiers whose eyes were shining as if they had taken some magical elixir, Ge Hong finally closed his mouth and once again immersed himself in the preparations for the impending battle.
Logs, arrows, and spears piled up in the corner, bed crossbows were already pulled to full string, aiming down at the city below. In the huge cauldron, boiling water was filled, and underneath was coal that could burn longer. As long as it was thrown down in wooden barrels, it could scald skin and crack flesh. There were also distant pottery jars containing tar refined from coke. Once ignited, it could turn siege engines and ladders into fireballs.
This was the most ample preparation that could be achieved. Ge Hong’s eyes were bloodshot, clearly not having slept the entire night.
Watching the bustling crowd, Liang Feng took a deep breath, picked up his familiar hand crossbow, and said to the people around him, “You don’t need to guard me all the time. If the situation is urgent later, you also need to go up and meet the enemy!”
The guards beside him did not respond, standing beside him like statues. Liang Feng didn’t say anything more, tightly gripping his hand crossbow.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of a drum made of cowhide echoed, and those scattered Xianbei people below the city one after another mounted their horses. After a while, the sound of hooves and shouts, accompanied by the booming drum, rang out.
Ge Hong tightened his grip on the long spear in his hand and shouted loudly, “Defend the city! Fight the enemy with me!”
※
“The enemy is retreating!” Pei Dun raised his eyebrows and said sharply, “What is the left-wing doing? Why haven’t they pursued yet?”
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“Commander! The enemy’s retreat is suspicious. It may be a lure!” Linghu Sheng immediately said.
“A lure? After a defeat, they are afraid of turning a feint into a real defeat?” Pei Dun sneered, “Lishi is currently empty. Where can they use tricks? You personally lead the troops to pursue!”
The two armies had been battling for a long time, and the enemy formation didn’t show any surprises even at the end of strong crossbow volleys. Pei Dun didn’t want to miss the best opportunity to rout the enemy because of this old general’s “caution”!
Linghu Sheng’s mouth twitched, but in the end, he didn’t say anything. He turned around and left after receiving the order. As soon as he walked out of the tent, he ran into Linghu Kuang. He whispered, “Your Excellency, guard the central army to prevent the enemy from launching a sneak attack!”
Since he couldn’t persuade that stubborn Pei Dun, who insisted on doing things his own way, it was safer to lead the troops himself. If things went south, he could still gather the soldiers and horses, avoiding falling into a trap. However, with the left wing leaving, the central army would be vulnerable, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
Linghu Kuang’s eyes showed anger as he nodded, “Uncle, you should also be careful!”
This battle was actually difficult. After a day of fierce fighting, the situation remained a stalemate. Now, with the front army suffering losses and the left-wing launching an attack, pushing forward recklessly was not what a competent commander would do… No, if a commander had an ounce of self-awareness, they shouldn’t have abandoned Jinyang and marched to attack Lishi!
But now that the battle had come to this point, what else could he say?
Watching his uncle’s departing figure, Linghu Kuang didn’t dare to delay and immediately strengthened the defense of the central army. When the left-wing attacked, he turned back and headed towards the main tent of the central army. As soon as he entered, Pei Dun immediately asked, “Have the troops from Shangdang arrived?”
Linghu Kuang swallowed his resentment and replied, “Not yet.”
“This brat!” Pei Dun slammed the table and cursed. If the Shangdang troops had arrived, there would have been no need to withdraw the left wing. They could have directly used that detour to defeat the fleeing enemy! Could it be that Liang Zixi didn’t care about Lishi at all? Or did he want to watch himself and these twenty thousand soldiers be defeated, profiting from the situation?
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his guess was correct. Pei Dun shouted, “Take my military order to Lu City and urge Shangdang to send troops!”
This was an attempt to bypass the current governor, Liang Feng, and directly pressure the acting Shangdang magistrate. Linghu Kuang couldn’t help but take a step forward, about to say something when a messenger on a fast horse arrived.
“Report! Liu Hu leads ten thousand troops and is attacking Jinyang!”
“What?” Pei Dun stood up in shock. Had the troops from Xingxing Commandery really arrived? Ten thousand people! Currently, there were only two thousand troops left in the city, could they defend the vast Jinyang?
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Had the city been breached? Should they save it? What about Lishi? His mind was in chaos, and Pei Dun couldn’t speak for a while. Linghu Kuang reacted quickly, “Are the Shangdang troops going to rescue Jinyang?”
“Exactly!” The scout hurriedly said, “The Shangdang troops have left Qixian and are heading straight for Jinyang!”
It turned out that the troops from Shangdang were the saviors. At this moment, Pei Dun didn’t know whether to be angry or happy. With these Shangdang troops, Jinyang would surely be able to hold on for a while longer, and their retreat route would be safer. However, should they withdraw now?
“Commander! Jinyang is in danger! Let’s retreat!” Linghu Kuang shouted loudly.
Steward Liu hurriedly advised, “General, the situation is critical, and it’s not easy to stay for long. It’s better to temporarily withdraw and consider our plans after lifting the siege of Jinyang.”
Jinyang was their foundation. If Jinyang fell, these twenty thousand troops might rebel. Was it more important to attack or defend Lishi and save Hedong now? This Liu Hu was extremely cunning, choosing to attack the city at this moment…
No! Steward Liu’s face changed suddenly. “General! We might have fallen into a trap! If Liu Hu is attacking Jinyang, how could the Xiongnu soldiers in front not know?”
Yes, how could they not know? Whether they were defeated or feigning defeat, what was the truth?
Pei Dun also realized, and cold sweat broke out on his back. “Withdraw! Quickly call back the left wing for reinforcement!”
The reaction was exceptionally fast, but on the other side, someone had already achieved the desired result.
“Left-wing is attacking, and the central army is vulnerable.” Liu Cong sneered. “Men, follow me and break through the enemy’s main camp!”
The sound of hooves thundered, and Liu Cong led over four thousand cavalry like a released arrow, viciously charging toward the now chaotic central army tent!
※
After capturing three cities without resting, Zhang He received new military orders. Assembling the troops, he rushed towards Longshan under the cover of night. Avoiding enemy scouts while ensuring marching speed made the journey more strenuous than the previous one.
However, in just half a day, they reached Longshan and joined forces with the troops hidden in the mountains.
Ignoring the fatigue on his face, Zhang He quickly stepped forward, “General, I’m late! How is Jinyang?”
Yiyan’s face was as calm as water, “The Xiongnu have already begun the siege. It has been six hours today. Tonight, we may have to resort to the strategy of using fatigued troops.”
Six hours! How many people could there possibly be in Jinyang city? How could they withstand such an attack?
“General! We have a full three thousand troops, let’s launch an attack!”
With three thousand troops, and half of them being cavalry, it would be enough to relieve the enemy’s pressure! Is our lord still inside the city?
However, this time, Yiyan did not agree, “Our lord has given orders. Only victory is allowed, not defeat! Now is not the best time to defeat the enemy.”
The Bai Xianbei had just arrived at the city. Even if they had fought for a whole day, their vigilance and combat power had not diminished. They were a tribe even more challenging to deal with than the Xiongnu, born on horseback, and exceptionally brave. If they were to confront the enemy after three battles and a day of rushing, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance of a disastrous defeat. Not to mention saving Jinyang city, they might not even be able to save themselves!
Now is not the best time.
The heart felt like it was being roasted by fire, but Yi Yan still held back, “Your troops, go rest, stand by in place!”
“General…” Zhang He still wanted to say something.
Yiyan’s gray-blue eyes turned towards him, “Only victory, not defeat!”
In those peculiar pupils, there was something. Cold as ice, fierce as flames, it made people shiver without feeling cold!
Zhang He’s voice faltered, and he clenched his fist against his chest, performing the salute of the Liang army, “I will obey the command!”
Yiyan turned his head again, looking at the remaining blurry corner of the tall city. In this battle, he would win! He must win!
“The Xiongnu are attacking the city!”
Overnight, all four gates of Jinyang City were tightly closed, and all the people were summoned into the city. The news of the enemy’s invasion quickly spread through the streets and alleys.
Didn’t the large army just set out to attack Lishi? How come there are enemies attacking the city now? And it’s said that there are not only the Xiongnu but also the extremely fierce Xianbei people, who are a hundred times more brutal than the Xiongnu! Where are the commanders who should be defending the city? Is Lishi more important than Jinyang where they are?
There’s nothing more painful and despair-inducing than waiting to die. However, before the people could start panicking, a decree was issued from the Governor’s Mansion.
Governor Liang has sent for reinforcements, and the army that went to attack Lishi will return soon. Until the reinforcements arrive, he will lead the private soldiers of various prominent families, along with the young and strong warriors, to collectively defend the city gates!
When the enemy army is at the city gates, the most crucial factor is often not the number of defenders but the fighting spirit of the people in the city. This decree, like a gust of strong wind blowing through the hearts, instantly calmed the restless minds. Subsequently, the plain-clothed officials recruited the young and strong along the streets, and Sun Li also led people to various households to borrow private soldiers from those reluctant prominent families.
Early the next day, the gates of the Governor’s Mansion opened wide, and a group of soldiers with bright helmets and armor walked out of the gate. Among these hundreds of people, a man in armor sat tall on a horse. The elegant silk hat was replaced with a gleaming helmet, and the wide robe with large sleeves was changed to a thin cuirass with a pleated crotch. The man’s appearance remained the same, but in his expression, there was an added decisiveness and determination that made people dare not stare.
It was Governor Liang! The governor was indeed going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them, vowing to live or die with Jinyang!
The last bit of hesitation completely dissipated, and the people along the streets erupted into cheers. It seemed as if they were not in a besieged city, preparing to withstand an attack from a large army, but celebrating a future victory. Despite the cheers, there was no smile on Liang Feng’s face as he ascended the city gate.
Gearing up for battle, Ge Hong, with an anxious expression, approached: “Governor, why have you come? The city walls are dangerous; it’s not suitable to stay for long!”
“No worries.” Liang Feng gently pushed aside Ge Hong and looked down at the city. As far as the eye could see, there were people and horses everywhere. Yesterday evening, Liu Hu and the Bai Xianbei cavalry arrived in Jinyang. Instead of immediately attacking the city, they had built makeshift siege weapons below the city. With battering rams and siege ladders, even these nomadic people could attempt an assault. They were evidently well-prepared to seize Jinyang this time!
Advertisement
This kind of attacking momentum was psychological coercion. If the defenders couldn’t handle the pressure, there was even a possibility of abandoning the city directly, just like how Sima Ying behaved in Ye City back then.
However, Liang Feng was not that kind of person. Just with a glance at the city below, he raised his voice and declared, “The large army on its way to Lishi will return soon. As long as everyone holds on for these few days, the enemy will return empty-handed. All the brave soldiers who ascend the city to face the enemy will be rewarded with a piece of silk! If we repel the Xiongnu, each will be rewarded with ten acres of land!”
The presence of the governor alongside them on the city wall was enough to inspire the people, not to mention such generous rewards. The young and strong who climbed the city walls immediately erupted into cheers. However, Ge Hong showed no joy on his face and whispered again, “Governor, the enemy is about to attack the city; it’s better to quickly descend from the city!”
“No need.” Liang Feng pushed Ge Hong gently aside and looked down at the city. “How many people are on the city walls now, Zhichuan?”
Ge Hong was momentarily stunned. “Less than two thousand.”
“Two thousand defenders and most of them are peasant conscripts who have never been on the battlefield. With this limited manpower facing an enemy five times their size, apart from military morale, what else can they rely on? If increasing morale means staying a little longer on this city wall, then I will stay!” Liang Feng’s voice showed no hint of compromise, resolute and determined.
“But weapons have no eyes. If someone gets injured…”
Ge Hong wanted to say something, but Liang Feng directly cut him off, “There are only these soldiers in the city. If the city falls, whether I stay in the mansion or on the city wall, what’s the difference? Don’t mind me; go and meet the enemy yourself!”
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Seeing Liang Feng’s firmness and looking at those soldiers whose eyes were shining as if they had taken some magical elixir, Ge Hong finally closed his mouth and once again immersed himself in the preparations for the impending battle.
Logs, arrows, and spears piled up in the corner, bed crossbows were already pulled to full string, aiming down at the city below. In the huge cauldron, boiling water was filled, and underneath was coal that could burn longer. As long as it was thrown down in wooden barrels, it could scald skin and crack flesh. There were also distant pottery jars containing tar refined from coke. Once ignited, it could turn siege engines and ladders into fireballs.
This was the most ample preparation that could be achieved. Ge Hong’s eyes were bloodshot, clearly not having slept the entire night.
Watching the bustling crowd, Liang Feng took a deep breath, picked up his familiar hand crossbow, and said to the people around him, “You don’t need to guard me all the time. If the situation is urgent later, you also need to go up and meet the enemy!”
The guards beside him did not respond, standing beside him like statues. Liang Feng didn’t say anything more, tightly gripping his hand crossbow.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound of a drum made of cowhide echoed, and those scattered Xianbei people below the city one after another mounted their horses. After a while, the sound of hooves and shouts, accompanied by the booming drum, rang out.
Ge Hong tightened his grip on the long spear in his hand and shouted loudly, “Defend the city! Fight the enemy with me!”
※
“The enemy is retreating!” Pei Dun raised his eyebrows and said sharply, “What is the left-wing doing? Why haven’t they pursued yet?”
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“Commander! The enemy’s retreat is suspicious. It may be a lure!” Linghu Sheng immediately said.
“A lure? After a defeat, they are afraid of turning a feint into a real defeat?” Pei Dun sneered, “Lishi is currently empty. Where can they use tricks? You personally lead the troops to pursue!”
The two armies had been battling for a long time, and the enemy formation didn’t show any surprises even at the end of strong crossbow volleys. Pei Dun didn’t want to miss the best opportunity to rout the enemy because of this old general’s “caution”!
Linghu Sheng’s mouth twitched, but in the end, he didn’t say anything. He turned around and left after receiving the order. As soon as he walked out of the tent, he ran into Linghu Kuang. He whispered, “Your Excellency, guard the central army to prevent the enemy from launching a sneak attack!”
Since he couldn’t persuade that stubborn Pei Dun, who insisted on doing things his own way, it was safer to lead the troops himself. If things went south, he could still gather the soldiers and horses, avoiding falling into a trap. However, with the left wing leaving, the central army would be vulnerable, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
Linghu Kuang’s eyes showed anger as he nodded, “Uncle, you should also be careful!”
This battle was actually difficult. After a day of fierce fighting, the situation remained a stalemate. Now, with the front army suffering losses and the left-wing launching an attack, pushing forward recklessly was not what a competent commander would do… No, if a commander had an ounce of self-awareness, they shouldn’t have abandoned Jinyang and marched to attack Lishi!
But now that the battle had come to this point, what else could he say?
Watching his uncle’s departing figure, Linghu Kuang didn’t dare to delay and immediately strengthened the defense of the central army. When the left-wing attacked, he turned back and headed towards the main tent of the central army. As soon as he entered, Pei Dun immediately asked, “Have the troops from Shangdang arrived?”
Linghu Kuang swallowed his resentment and replied, “Not yet.”
“This brat!” Pei Dun slammed the table and cursed. If the Shangdang troops had arrived, there would have been no need to withdraw the left wing. They could have directly used that detour to defeat the fleeing enemy! Could it be that Liang Zixi didn’t care about Lishi at all? Or did he want to watch himself and these twenty thousand soldiers be defeated, profiting from the situation?
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his guess was correct. Pei Dun shouted, “Take my military order to Lu City and urge Shangdang to send troops!”
This was an attempt to bypass the current governor, Liang Feng, and directly pressure the acting Shangdang magistrate. Linghu Kuang couldn’t help but take a step forward, about to say something when a messenger on a fast horse arrived.
“Report! Liu Hu leads ten thousand troops and is attacking Jinyang!”
“What?” Pei Dun stood up in shock. Had the troops from Xingxing Commandery really arrived? Ten thousand people! Currently, there were only two thousand troops left in the city, could they defend the vast Jinyang?
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Had the city been breached? Should they save it? What about Lishi? His mind was in chaos, and Pei Dun couldn’t speak for a while. Linghu Kuang reacted quickly, “Are the Shangdang troops going to rescue Jinyang?”
“Exactly!” The scout hurriedly said, “The Shangdang troops have left Qixian and are heading straight for Jinyang!”
It turned out that the troops from Shangdang were the saviors. At this moment, Pei Dun didn’t know whether to be angry or happy. With these Shangdang troops, Jinyang would surely be able to hold on for a while longer, and their retreat route would be safer. However, should they withdraw now?
“Commander! Jinyang is in danger! Let’s retreat!” Linghu Kuang shouted loudly.
Steward Liu hurriedly advised, “General, the situation is critical, and it’s not easy to stay for long. It’s better to temporarily withdraw and consider our plans after lifting the siege of Jinyang.”
Jinyang was their foundation. If Jinyang fell, these twenty thousand troops might rebel. Was it more important to attack or defend Lishi and save Hedong now? This Liu Hu was extremely cunning, choosing to attack the city at this moment…
No! Steward Liu’s face changed suddenly. “General! We might have fallen into a trap! If Liu Hu is attacking Jinyang, how could the Xiongnu soldiers in front not know?”
Yes, how could they not know? Whether they were defeated or feigning defeat, what was the truth?
Pei Dun also realized, and cold sweat broke out on his back. “Withdraw! Quickly call back the left wing for reinforcement!”
The reaction was exceptionally fast, but on the other side, someone had already achieved the desired result.
“Left-wing is attacking, and the central army is vulnerable.” Liu Cong sneered. “Men, follow me and break through the enemy’s main camp!”
The sound of hooves thundered, and Liu Cong led over four thousand cavalry like a released arrow, viciously charging toward the now chaotic central army tent!
※
After capturing three cities without resting, Zhang He received new military orders. Assembling the troops, he rushed towards Longshan under the cover of night. Avoiding enemy scouts while ensuring marching speed made the journey more strenuous than the previous one.
However, in just half a day, they reached Longshan and joined forces with the troops hidden in the mountains.
Ignoring the fatigue on his face, Zhang He quickly stepped forward, “General, I’m late! How is Jinyang?”
Yiyan’s face was as calm as water, “The Xiongnu have already begun the siege. It has been six hours today. Tonight, we may have to resort to the strategy of using fatigued troops.”
Six hours! How many people could there possibly be in Jinyang city? How could they withstand such an attack?
“General! We have a full three thousand troops, let’s launch an attack!”
With three thousand troops, and half of them being cavalry, it would be enough to relieve the enemy’s pressure! Is our lord still inside the city?
However, this time, Yiyan did not agree, “Our lord has given orders. Only victory is allowed, not defeat! Now is not the best time to defeat the enemy.”
The Bai Xianbei had just arrived at the city. Even if they had fought for a whole day, their vigilance and combat power had not diminished. They were a tribe even more challenging to deal with than the Xiongnu, born on horseback, and exceptionally brave. If they were to confront the enemy after three battles and a day of rushing, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance of a disastrous defeat. Not to mention saving Jinyang city, they might not even be able to save themselves!
Now is not the best time.
The heart felt like it was being roasted by fire, but Yi Yan still held back, “Your troops, go rest, stand by in place!”
“General…” Zhang He still wanted to say something.
Yiyan’s gray-blue eyes turned towards him, “Only victory, not defeat!”
In those peculiar pupils, there was something. Cold as ice, fierce as flames, it made people shiver without feeling cold!
Zhang He’s voice faltered, and he clenched his fist against his chest, performing the salute of the Liang army, “I will obey the command!”
Yiyan turned his head again, looking at the remaining blurry corner of the tall city. In this battle, he would win! He must win!
