In Lu City Prefecture, Liang Feng stood in the courtyard, his hands behind his back. Today was New Year’s Day, but the county office had not convened the annual meeting. Even his subordinates were not by his side, except for a small figure standing nearby.
“Father, will there really be a solar eclipse today?” Liang Rong was a bit anxious, but he didn’t dare to look directly at the sun. His father had warned him that staring at the sun could harm his eyes. So, he carefully observed the sky’s condition by looking at the copper basin placed in front of him, filled with water, and used it to observe the sky.
“According to Li Zile’s calculations, there will be a solar eclipse,” Liang Feng’s voice was steady, but his inner thoughts weren’t as calm as he appeared.
This military campaign could be considered a risky endeavor. To capture the city, the craftsmen in the prefecture spent over a month hastily constructing new catapults and various types of artillery shells. The cost of manpower and resources alone for this endeavor amounted to a staggering two hundred thousand silver coins. Money was secondary; the most critical aspect was the three thousand soldiers. The cavalry camp was fully deployed, along with two thousand elite infantry. If they failed to capture the city, the potential losses were beyond imagination.
Nevertheless, despite the risks, Liang Feng gritted his teeth and executed this plan. In simple terms, it was all about creating a time gap, seizing an unexpected opportunity from the Xiongnu forces stationed in Yangyi, and besieging Jinyang. Taking calculated risks has always been a part of military endeavors. Just think of the Red Fourth Army’s legendary capture of Luding Bridge, a one-night raid through 126 miles of mountainous terrain under pouring rain, with only 22 assault team members securing the bridgehead while coordinating with friendly forces to take Luding City. Such military actions defied conventional wisdom, yet it was this very “extraordinary” approach that gave the beleaguered Central Red Army a chance to survive.
And now, Shangdang had reached a critical juncture of life and death. Liang Feng could not simply pass up this opportunity due to its inherent danger.
He meticulously arranged and carefully planned, taking the tactics to the extreme. Whether the solar eclipse occurred was not of paramount importance for the siege. But it held immense significance for the subsequent strategy.
So now, he stood here without the annual meeting, without formalities, just waiting in silence, hoping for the solar eclipse to appear.
Liang Rong was oblivious to his father’s thoughts. On the contrary, a hint of unease appeared on his young face. “But a solar eclipse is inauspicious…”
Liang Feng snapped back to attention. He was well aware of the prevailing beliefs about celestial phenomena in this era. The influence of superstitions and the belief in a connection between heaven and people still lingered. Whether their purpose was to restrain the authority of rulers or to deceive the ignorant, the impact on the common people was not easily erased.
After a moment of contemplation, Liang Feng inquired, “Why is a solar eclipse considered inauspicious?”
Liang Rong hesitated for a moment and then responded, “The sun and moon foretell an omen, and it’s not good. The four states lack good governance, and their talents go unused.”
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These were lines from the ancient Chinese Classic of Poetry, specifically from the poem “Crossing into October.” The poem opens with an account of a solar eclipse. “At the end of the tenth month, on the xinmao day, the sun had an eclipse. It was dark in the daytime.” This celestial event led the poet to reflect on the lack of good governance in the world, where talents were wasted. This omen signaled great calamity for the nation.
Liang Feng hadn’t expected the young one to be quoting the Classic of Poetry. He smiled and replied, “Rong’er, you’re right. However, while heaven can reveal, people cannot change it. As long as the calendar is accurate, solar and lunar eclipses can be predicted and occur according to schedule. These are celestial events, just like the rising and setting of the sun, the changing seasons – they are beyond anyone’s control. The real inauspicious sign is, in fact, ‘the four states lack good governance, and their talents go unused.'”
This was a dialectical issue; it wasn’t celestial phenomena that brought disaster to the nation but rather human actions. Liang Rong blinked, as if grasping the concept, “So celestial phenomena can’t foretell events for people?”
“Yes,” Liang Feng replied firmly, “But if we only panic and blame ourselves when there are natural anomalies, our nation will not be at ease. Life and death, the fate of the nation – how can we solely rely on signs from the heavens?”
He didn’t intend to indoctrinate Liang Rong completely or educate him about various natural laws. Such thoughts were too advanced and not necessarily beneficial for Liang Rong, who grew up in this era. However, his way of thinking and logic could be shaped. No nation and no system is perfect; the fundamental thing is to continually pay attention to the nation’s operation. Seeing an omen and fearing divine punishment before trying to mend and correct, it would be too late by then, and the celestial omens would be proven true.
This was the first time Liang Rong had heard such an idea. What he had learned seemed somewhat different, but not entirely incomprehensible. After a moment of reflection, he asked, “So, Father, is the reason for raising troops today to dispel disaster and eliminate ill omens?”
This time, Liang Feng fell silent for a moment before answering, “If the heavens assist, I can only save Shangdang Prefecture.”
Liang Rong suddenly closed his mouth. He seemed to understand his father’s true intent. Just like what was discussed in military strategy, the timing, the terrain, and the unity of the people, his father didn’t fear celestial anomalies because there was something even more important in his heart.
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As Liang Rong was lost in thought, the sky suddenly changed. The once bright sky darkened abruptly as if something had obscured the sunlight. Reflexively, Liang Rong raised his head and looked toward the horizon. He saw the radiant sun suddenly lose a portion of its brightness, as if the sky had a missing piece, creating an eerie and ominous feeling.
This feeling was terrifying yet strangely mesmerizing, making it impossible to avert one’s gaze. However, before tears could fill his eyes from staring at the sun, a hand had already shielded his vision.
“Do not stare directly at the sun,” Liang Feng admonished sternly.
His gaze was fixed on the copper basin in front of him. In the water, the once perfect circle of the sun was now marred by a missing chunk. The solar eclipse had indeed arrived! It was exactly as predicted!
The courtyard erupted in a clamor as countless people began to exclaim. The sound of drums and gongs soon rang out, both ear-piercing and necessary to drive away the celestial dog. This had been arranged in advance by Liang Feng, with Duan Qin and Cui Ji comforting the people and conducting the ritual.
However, for Liang Feng, this sound was more like the distant beat of war drums. The celestial omen had arrived; could Ge Hong harness it?
※
The people of Lu City were in a state of fear and awe, but the garrison in Yangyi felt like they had fallen into a nightmare. As the sky darkened, the sound of thunder resounded.
The enemy’s thunder cannon didn’t cease its barrage, but the incendiary projectiles within had transformed into celestial thunderbolts, crashing down on the walls of Yangyi!
Liu Mang felt as if an invisible giant hand had violently pushed him, and he was thrown backward, crashing heavily to the ground. Bright spots danced before his eyes, and a constant ringing filled his ears. He could no longer hear the sounds around him. What had just happened? Something cold and sticky seemed to have landed on his face. Dazedly, he reached out and found his hand covered in a crimson substance. His nose and ears were bleeding, and there was a numb, aching pain in his shoulder. He was injured, but what had wounded him?
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It seemed like only a moment had passed, yet it also felt like a long time. Liu Mang suddenly raised his head and looked up at the sky. The sun in the sky had been swallowed by a dark shadow, clearly visible as it encroached upon the bright circle as if it were trying to devour the sun piece by piece. But why was there thunder? Wasn’t the celestial dog afraid of loud noises? Why did lightning strike the city walls?
Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. Liu Mang, in a state of utter terror, realized that he couldn’t see clearly with his two eyes. “Quick…someone, come quickly…”
His voice trembled uncontrollably, but no one heard it. Another thunderclap shook the city.
Trembling, Liu Mang knelt on the ground. This must be a divine punishment! Why was it falling upon them? Was it because of Yangyi City, or was it due to the Jin army attacking from below?
Yes! It was the army of Shangdang, the formidable force under that Buddhist monk…
A third thunderous boom echoed. Liu Mang had completely forgotten his duty, curling up and kneeling on the wall, shivering as he prostrated himself toward the sun that had blinded him. His winter clothes were stained red with blood, gradually sapping the warmth from his body.
※
When the first thunderclap appeared, Ge Hong couldn’t help but take a step back. His brow furrowed as he gazed at the terrifying scene before him. The first thunderball accurately soared onto the city wall, smoke and flames erupting simultaneously. A large section of the battlements shattered in the deafening blast, sending several figures flying. In the sky, the sun was instantly devoured by the encroaching darkness, and that horrifying scene seemed etched into the pupils of everyone who witnessed it.
Not only the defenders on the city wall but also the immensely brave warriors behind him were in an uproar. Some fell to their knees, and others stood frozen in place, unable to even grip their weapons.
Seeing this, Ge Hong shouted loudly, “The Xiongnu have conspired, and the Lord Prefect is quelling the rebellion. The heavenly might transforms into thunder! This is heaven assisting the Lord Prefect!”
His voice was exceptionally loud, echoing far and wide, and it brought the soldiers’ minds back to reality. Yes, if heaven were punishing them for raising troops, why would it direct the thunderbolts right onto the enemy’s city walls? This was clearly a sign of heaven’s protection for the Lord Prefect!
In the eyes that had previously shown fear, a glimmer of hope now shone. The trembling legs ceased shaking, and the hands clutching weapons regained their strength. The commotion had subsided, transformed into a force ready to burst forth, filled with joy and courage.
Ge Hong couldn’t help but relax deep down. It appeared that the Lord Prefect’s authority in the people’s hearts exceeded even the anomalies in the heavens. With such morale, how could they miss this opportunity?
He strode to the second artillery carriage with purpose, taking a deep breath. “If the heavens assist! Let the thunder fall again!”
With that, he raised the signal and ignited the second thunderball. The artillery carriage roared, delivering this terrifying weapon into Yangyi City. Another thunderous blast shook the surroundings. However, most of the soldiers behind him had already risen to their feet. It seemed that they had forgotten even the darkening sun, left behind in their minds.
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“At the moment when the sun reappears, it’s time for our troops to storm the city!” Ge Hong took another step and ignited the final thunderball.
The time it took to load the thunder cannon was too long, and only these three could be launched during the solar eclipse. Three was enough!
When the final thunderous explosion occurred, someone in the formation, it was unclear who, shouted, “Reclaim Yangyi! Slay the Xiongnu!”
“Kill! Kill! Kill!” Two thousand voices resounded in unison, louder than the thunder on the city walls!
As if startled by this thunderous cry, the encroaching shadow upon the sun stopped and gradually began to retreat. The dusky darkness began to recede, fading into the radiant sunlight.
The daylight was returning!
Ge Hong drew his sword and shouted, “Charge with me!”
The two thousand infantrymen surged forward, like a raging tide, rushing towards the sturdy city ahead!
In Lu City Prefecture, Liang Feng stood in the courtyard, his hands behind his back. Today was New Year’s Day, but the county office had not convened the annual meeting. Even his subordinates were not by his side, except for a small figure standing nearby.
“Father, will there really be a solar eclipse today?” Liang Rong was a bit anxious, but he didn’t dare to look directly at the sun. His father had warned him that staring at the sun could harm his eyes. So, he carefully observed the sky’s condition by looking at the copper basin placed in front of him, filled with water, and used it to observe the sky.
“According to Li Zile’s calculations, there will be a solar eclipse,” Liang Feng’s voice was steady, but his inner thoughts weren’t as calm as he appeared.
This military campaign could be considered a risky endeavor. To capture the city, the craftsmen in the prefecture spent over a month hastily constructing new catapults and various types of artillery shells. The cost of manpower and resources alone for this endeavor amounted to a staggering two hundred thousand silver coins. Money was secondary; the most critical aspect was the three thousand soldiers. The cavalry camp was fully deployed, along with two thousand elite infantry. If they failed to capture the city, the potential losses were beyond imagination.
Nevertheless, despite the risks, Liang Feng gritted his teeth and executed this plan. In simple terms, it was all about creating a time gap, seizing an unexpected opportunity from the Xiongnu forces stationed in Yangyi, and besieging Jinyang. Taking calculated risks has always been a part of military endeavors. Just think of the Red Fourth Army’s legendary capture of Luding Bridge, a one-night raid through 126 miles of mountainous terrain under pouring rain, with only 22 assault team members securing the bridgehead while coordinating with friendly forces to take Luding City. Such military actions defied conventional wisdom, yet it was this very “extraordinary” approach that gave the beleaguered Central Red Army a chance to survive.
And now, Shangdang had reached a critical juncture of life and death. Liang Feng could not simply pass up this opportunity due to its inherent danger.
He meticulously arranged and carefully planned, taking the tactics to the extreme. Whether the solar eclipse occurred was not of paramount importance for the siege. But it held immense significance for the subsequent strategy.
So now, he stood here without the annual meeting, without formalities, just waiting in silence, hoping for the solar eclipse to appear.
Liang Rong was oblivious to his father’s thoughts. On the contrary, a hint of unease appeared on his young face. “But a solar eclipse is inauspicious…”
Liang Feng snapped back to attention. He was well aware of the prevailing beliefs about celestial phenomena in this era. The influence of superstitions and the belief in a connection between heaven and people still lingered. Whether their purpose was to restrain the authority of rulers or to deceive the ignorant, the impact on the common people was not easily erased.
After a moment of contemplation, Liang Feng inquired, “Why is a solar eclipse considered inauspicious?”
Liang Rong hesitated for a moment and then responded, “The sun and moon foretell an omen, and it’s not good. The four states lack good governance, and their talents go unused.”
Advertisement
AD
These were lines from the ancient Chinese Classic of Poetry, specifically from the poem “Crossing into October.” The poem opens with an account of a solar eclipse. “At the end of the tenth month, on the xinmao day, the sun had an eclipse. It was dark in the daytime.” This celestial event led the poet to reflect on the lack of good governance in the world, where talents were wasted. This omen signaled great calamity for the nation.
Liang Feng hadn’t expected the young one to be quoting the Classic of Poetry. He smiled and replied, “Rong’er, you’re right. However, while heaven can reveal, people cannot change it. As long as the calendar is accurate, solar and lunar eclipses can be predicted and occur according to schedule. These are celestial events, just like the rising and setting of the sun, the changing seasons – they are beyond anyone’s control. The real inauspicious sign is, in fact, ‘the four states lack good governance, and their talents go unused.'”
This was a dialectical issue; it wasn’t celestial phenomena that brought disaster to the nation but rather human actions. Liang Rong blinked, as if grasping the concept, “So celestial phenomena can’t foretell events for people?”
“Yes,” Liang Feng replied firmly, “But if we only panic and blame ourselves when there are natural anomalies, our nation will not be at ease. Life and death, the fate of the nation – how can we solely rely on signs from the heavens?”
He didn’t intend to indoctrinate Liang Rong completely or educate him about various natural laws. Such thoughts were too advanced and not necessarily beneficial for Liang Rong, who grew up in this era. However, his way of thinking and logic could be shaped. No nation and no system is perfect; the fundamental thing is to continually pay attention to the nation’s operation. Seeing an omen and fearing divine punishment before trying to mend and correct, it would be too late by then, and the celestial omens would be proven true.
This was the first time Liang Rong had heard such an idea. What he had learned seemed somewhat different, but not entirely incomprehensible. After a moment of reflection, he asked, “So, Father, is the reason for raising troops today to dispel disaster and eliminate ill omens?”
This time, Liang Feng fell silent for a moment before answering, “If the heavens assist, I can only save Shangdang Prefecture.”
Liang Rong suddenly closed his mouth. He seemed to understand his father’s true intent. Just like what was discussed in military strategy, the timing, the terrain, and the unity of the people, his father didn’t fear celestial anomalies because there was something even more important in his heart.
Advertisement
AD
As Liang Rong was lost in thought, the sky suddenly changed. The once bright sky darkened abruptly as if something had obscured the sunlight. Reflexively, Liang Rong raised his head and looked toward the horizon. He saw the radiant sun suddenly lose a portion of its brightness, as if the sky had a missing piece, creating an eerie and ominous feeling.
This feeling was terrifying yet strangely mesmerizing, making it impossible to avert one’s gaze. However, before tears could fill his eyes from staring at the sun, a hand had already shielded his vision.
“Do not stare directly at the sun,” Liang Feng admonished sternly.
His gaze was fixed on the copper basin in front of him. In the water, the once perfect circle of the sun was now marred by a missing chunk. The solar eclipse had indeed arrived! It was exactly as predicted!
The courtyard erupted in a clamor as countless people began to exclaim. The sound of drums and gongs soon rang out, both ear-piercing and necessary to drive away the celestial dog. This had been arranged in advance by Liang Feng, with Duan Qin and Cui Ji comforting the people and conducting the ritual.
However, for Liang Feng, this sound was more like the distant beat of war drums. The celestial omen had arrived; could Ge Hong harness it?
※
The people of Lu City were in a state of fear and awe, but the garrison in Yangyi felt like they had fallen into a nightmare. As the sky darkened, the sound of thunder resounded.
The enemy’s thunder cannon didn’t cease its barrage, but the incendiary projectiles within had transformed into celestial thunderbolts, crashing down on the walls of Yangyi!
Liu Mang felt as if an invisible giant hand had violently pushed him, and he was thrown backward, crashing heavily to the ground. Bright spots danced before his eyes, and a constant ringing filled his ears. He could no longer hear the sounds around him. What had just happened? Something cold and sticky seemed to have landed on his face. Dazedly, he reached out and found his hand covered in a crimson substance. His nose and ears were bleeding, and there was a numb, aching pain in his shoulder. He was injured, but what had wounded him?
Advertisement
AD
It seemed like only a moment had passed, yet it also felt like a long time. Liu Mang suddenly raised his head and looked up at the sky. The sun in the sky had been swallowed by a dark shadow, clearly visible as it encroached upon the bright circle as if it were trying to devour the sun piece by piece. But why was there thunder? Wasn’t the celestial dog afraid of loud noises? Why did lightning strike the city walls?
Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. Liu Mang, in a state of utter terror, realized that he couldn’t see clearly with his two eyes. “Quick…someone, come quickly…”
His voice trembled uncontrollably, but no one heard it. Another thunderclap shook the city.
Trembling, Liu Mang knelt on the ground. This must be a divine punishment! Why was it falling upon them? Was it because of Yangyi City, or was it due to the Jin army attacking from below?
Yes! It was the army of Shangdang, the formidable force under that Buddhist monk…
A third thunderous boom echoed. Liu Mang had completely forgotten his duty, curling up and kneeling on the wall, shivering as he prostrated himself toward the sun that had blinded him. His winter clothes were stained red with blood, gradually sapping the warmth from his body.
※
When the first thunderclap appeared, Ge Hong couldn’t help but take a step back. His brow furrowed as he gazed at the terrifying scene before him. The first thunderball accurately soared onto the city wall, smoke and flames erupting simultaneously. A large section of the battlements shattered in the deafening blast, sending several figures flying. In the sky, the sun was instantly devoured by the encroaching darkness, and that horrifying scene seemed etched into the pupils of everyone who witnessed it.
Not only the defenders on the city wall but also the immensely brave warriors behind him were in an uproar. Some fell to their knees, and others stood frozen in place, unable to even grip their weapons.
Seeing this, Ge Hong shouted loudly, “The Xiongnu have conspired, and the Lord Prefect is quelling the rebellion. The heavenly might transforms into thunder! This is heaven assisting the Lord Prefect!”
His voice was exceptionally loud, echoing far and wide, and it brought the soldiers’ minds back to reality. Yes, if heaven were punishing them for raising troops, why would it direct the thunderbolts right onto the enemy’s city walls? This was clearly a sign of heaven’s protection for the Lord Prefect!
In the eyes that had previously shown fear, a glimmer of hope now shone. The trembling legs ceased shaking, and the hands clutching weapons regained their strength. The commotion had subsided, transformed into a force ready to burst forth, filled with joy and courage.
Ge Hong couldn’t help but relax deep down. It appeared that the Lord Prefect’s authority in the people’s hearts exceeded even the anomalies in the heavens. With such morale, how could they miss this opportunity?
He strode to the second artillery carriage with purpose, taking a deep breath. “If the heavens assist! Let the thunder fall again!”
With that, he raised the signal and ignited the second thunderball. The artillery carriage roared, delivering this terrifying weapon into Yangyi City. Another thunderous blast shook the surroundings. However, most of the soldiers behind him had already risen to their feet. It seemed that they had forgotten even the darkening sun, left behind in their minds.
Advertisement
AD
“At the moment when the sun reappears, it’s time for our troops to storm the city!” Ge Hong took another step and ignited the final thunderball.
The time it took to load the thunder cannon was too long, and only these three could be launched during the solar eclipse. Three was enough!
When the final thunderous explosion occurred, someone in the formation, it was unclear who, shouted, “Reclaim Yangyi! Slay the Xiongnu!”
“Kill! Kill! Kill!” Two thousand voices resounded in unison, louder than the thunder on the city walls!
As if startled by this thunderous cry, the encroaching shadow upon the sun stopped and gradually began to retreat. The dusky darkness began to recede, fading into the radiant sunlight.
The daylight was returning!
Ge Hong drew his sword and shouted, “Charge with me!”
The two thousand infantrymen surged forward, like a raging tide, rushing towards the sturdy city ahead!
