“Commander! Commander, quickly go!”
In the central army, a guard shouted loudly. However, Pei Dun could no longer hear clearly. Mounted on his horse, his eyes widened, glaring at the chaotic battlefield before him, his mind filled with disbelief. How could the Xiongnu still have a cavalry? How could they endure until this moment? Why couldn’t the central army stop them?
An arrow, like a swift feather, penetrated through the chaotic crowd, aiming towards Pei Dun. His mind was completely stunned; he clumsily tried to dodge, but couldn’t avoid it entirely. Fortunately, the arrow slightly deviated, grazing his neck and leaving a long bloody gash.
Instinctively raising his hand, pressing on the wound, a searing pain shot through Pei Dun. The grinding sound of his teeth echoed, and his expression, whether filled with hatred or fear, became grimacing.
“General! The central army can’t hold on; quickly leave this place!” A soldier on horseback rushed up, grabbing Pei Dun’s mount.
The tall Wusun warhorse let out an impatient neigh, and Pei Dun finally woke up from his daze. The human wall in front of him was only a thin layer, and from a distance, he could see splashing blood and smell the pungent stench. His heart clenched into a knot, and the idea of resisting and protecting the command flag evaporated. He tightly grasped the reins, said nothing, turned his horse, and fled into the distance.
Pei Dun was wearing the Mingguang armor, imposing and dazzling. However, on the battlefield, it was like a shining copper mirror, making it nearly impossible to see. Therefore, his escape was extremely awkward, with numerous bodyguards covering his side. He was crouching on his horse, desperately trying to flee from the pursuit in the densely packed enemy formation while the central army had not completely dispersed.
Liu Cong did not pursue it. Instead, he took off the sturdy bow from his horse, arms fully extended, drawn to the extreme. Liu Cong was vigorous and agile, and his archery skills were unparalleled. However, the arrow did not aim at anyone; with the release of the bowstring, a crisp “click” was heard, and the command flag of the central army fell with a sound!
“The chief commander is beheaded! Pei Dun is dead!” Liu Cong pulled the reins, loudly announcing. In the face of the enemy, everything relied on the command flag; it was the soul of the army, sometimes even more crucial than the general himself. Since Pei Dun abandoned the command flag, how could Liu Cong let go of such an opportunity?
All the Xiongnu soldiers shouted in unison. Thousands of light cavalry, like burning sharp blades, pierced through the central army in an instant. With this move, news of the slaughter of the chief commander spread throughout the enemy camp.
After piercing through the central army, Liu Cong did not rush back immediately. Experienced in battle and knowledgeable in military tactics, he naturally knew that the enemy’s left wing was now rushing to reinforce. Cavalry trapped in the formation could be troublesome. It was better to wait for the enemy’s morale to completely collapse, and then annihilate this force of Bing County troops with the main force that had previously pretended to retreat.
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However, unexpectedly, the chaotic central army did not fall into disarray due to the destruction of the command flag. Instead, it gradually regrouped. What’s going on? Could it be that Pei Dun, that timid fellow, has returned to the central army again?
“Stabilize the formation! Quickly relay orders to all officers and generals; they are not allowed to leave their posts without permission! Governor Liang is still in Jinyang. As long as we hold the line, we can safely return to the city!” Linghu Kuang shouted hoarsely, his personal guards shuttling through the battlefield like trying to control a frenzied wild horse, constantly gathering the central army that was about to disperse.
This Pei Dun! He actually abandoned the command flag and fled alone! The anger that had been suppressed for a long time finally burst out, and Linghu Kuang shouted his innermost thoughts. Without Pei Dun, what difference does it make? Governor Liang is still in Jinyang, and as long as he is there, the situation won’t become uncontrollable. He wants to preserve the remaining strength of Bing County for the lord!
Linghu Kuang had spent time in Shangdang and had fought side by side with Yiyan several times. His methods of training troops, intentionally or unintentionally, were also learned from that strong army. And this kind of imitation played a role at the most critical moment. Without the command flag, he still had his own military banner. Relying on this and Liang Feng’s reputation, he managed to support until Yiyan led reinforcements. The remaining soldiers slowly regrouped, like a hedgehog with raised spines, gradually stabilizing their position.
Seeing the lost opportunity, Liu Cong snorted lightly and didn’t waste anymore effort. When the news of the siege of Jinyang spread, the enemy would naturally be thrown into chaos, and then he could take advantage of the situation to annihilate them.
On this side, Linghu Sheng and his nephew managed to stabilize the situation with great difficulty. On the other side, Pei Dun’s fast horse had not stopped. If the central army collapsed, more than ten thousand soldiers would scatter, and being involved in the rout would be unimaginable!
“Commander! The enemy has not caught up!” Pei Dun dared not look closely, but his personal guard beside him observed the surroundings and shouted loudly after escaping from the chaotic army.
What? Pei Dun couldn’t help but turn his head to look. Indeed, chaos reigned behind, and there was no sign of the enemy pursuing. The tension that had lingered for a long time suddenly dissipated, but Pei Dun did not stop his footsteps. The number of his personal guards had dwindled from five hundred to less than one hundred, losing more than half. Leading just seventy or eighty people seemed unsafe. Moreover, there was still a large army besieging Jinyang in the rear, making it virtually impossible to escape.
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Steward Liu Changshi was nowhere to be found, and there was no one to consult. After hesitating for a moment, Pei Dun finally said, “Let’s head to the supply camp first!”
The supply camp was still in the rear, and news of its fall had not yet been heard. It might be better to hide there for now and wait until there was news from the central army before sending someone to rendezvous. With a determined mind, Pei Dun immediately urged his horse and headed towards the direction of the supply camp with his men.
Zhao Da’s face was gloomy as he stood guard in front of the supply camp. After the ambush that day, the camp officer did not mistreat them, the “temporary laborers” who came to their aid. He selected four or five hundred men to reinforce the camp. This way, most of his men and horses changed into military equipment, becoming soldiers in the army. If it were someone else, it might be a bitter experience, but for Zhao Da and the others, this was the best opportunity.
However, today came the news that Jinyang was besieged. This was much worse than expected. With this development, the front army was almost certain to change, and even a rout was possible. He wondered if they had successfully completed their mission.
Just as he was thinking about it, a cavalry unit suddenly rushed towards them. There were only seventy or eighty people, and the one in the middle was actually wearing bright light armor! With a thump in his heart, Zhao Da tightened the long spear in his hand. Damn it, isn’t this Commander Pei? Why isn’t he with the central army and running alone to this place? What’s the situation with the front army?
However, in an instant, a murderous intent arose in Zhao Da’s eyes. Such a commander, indeed as General Yi had said, could not be allowed to live! Sending a secret signal to those around him, several guards at the camp gate immediately put on a vigilant and fearful appearance, raising their weapons.
“Make way! The commander is returning to the camp! No one dares to obstruct!” The front few cavalrymen shouted, wielding their whips, charging towards them.
This was a real drive, leaving no strength behind. Zhao Da’s face was whipped until it bled, and with a fearful expression, he shrunk his body to open a passage. The group of people showed no intention of dismounting and stopping; they just wanted to rush into the camp gate.
However, just as Pei Dun’s carriage was about to pass through the camp gate, Zhao Da suddenly shook the long spear in his hand, as if it had been scared away, directly sliding towards the head of the high-headed horse. The shining spearhead faced the horse’s face. No matter how majestic and extraordinary it was, a sudden shining sharp object in front of its eyes still startled the Wusun steed.
The horse losing control wasn’t a big deal, but after fleeing for so long, Pei Dun finally reached his own tent. Pei Dun relaxed both physically and mentally, caught off guard and unable to steady himself. He was thrown off the frenzied horse’s back. Unfortunately, horses were galloping from all directions, and no one anticipated such an accident, not even a chance to pull the reins.
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A chaotic scene of shouts and neighs erupted from the group of guards. Zhao Da immediately signaled his companions to retreat silently.
“General!” a guard dismounted, eyes filled with rage, rushing towards the fallen commander in the dust.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
Falling abruptly from the horse and trampled several times by charging horses, a part of Pei Dun’s chest collapsed, and his arm twisted in a bizarre angle. In his wide-open eyes, there was sheer disbelief and anger. He seemed to want to speak, opening his mouth with an “ah” sound, but what came out was bloody spittle. Blood seeped from his mouth, eyes, and ears.
This was a fatal situation. With bloodstained fingers clutching his throat, a chilling sensation ran through the guard’s heart. With the commander dead, all of them, the guards, were destined to be buried! They had fought their way out of the enemy’s formation, only to have the horse stumble here. How could anyone accept this fate after such a desperate struggle?!
He fearfully lifted his head, attempting to look at his brothers beside him, but all he could see were evasive expressions. For a moment, the only sound in the field was Pei Dun’s dying wheezing.
No one could save him!
Suddenly, a horse neighed, and someone spurred their horse, fleeing outside the camp. Too many had been lost in this battle, and he didn’t want to risk his life further. One person fled, and soon others began to stir. In no time, they scattered and fled. These guards were well-trained by the Pei family, but Pei Dun was headstrong and particularly harsh on his subordinates. To risk their lives and be held responsible for an accident, who could endure that?
Seeing the people and horses around him fleeing, the sound of footsteps and shouts came from the camp. The guard gritted his teeth, pried open Pei Dun’s trembling fingers, turned around, and grabbed his mount. Before the soldiers in the camp rushed over, he kicked the horse fiercely, and the horse neighed loudly, disappearing into the distance.
Pei Dun, unbelievably watching those around him flee, transformed his anger into fear and despair. He lifted his arm with force, wanting to grasp something. However, that hand ultimately fell to the ground. Blood continued to flow, turning into a silent stillness.
※
Liang Feng walked down from the city wall, staggering. He had stood on the wall all day, sweat soaking through his clothes. Even his fingertips were cut by the crossbow strings, and blood flowed down his back. It had been a long time since he felt so exhausted and disheveled.
The sky had completely darkened, and the tide-like attacks temporarily ceased. However, it was only the first day, and the duration of the defense was unknown. The battle on the city wall had always been a contest of will and determination, not to mention the stacking of lives.
Standing on the stairs, he looked down at the city. In the shadows, countless wounded lay sitting or lying down. The doctors and nurses from the city were all pulled out, and many people still lay on the ground, yet to be attended to. One reason was the limited manpower, and the other was the intense battle before, where, aside from those truly on the verge of death, who wasn’t fighting with injuries? After dark, the number of young and strong individuals carried down from the city walls immediately increased several times, with medical staff coming in and out, still struggling to provide urgent treatment.
In addition to doctors, many monks from the Huai’en Temple were also assisting. They were bandaging wounds, transporting the wounded, and even standing directly at the city’s edge, performing rituals for the deceased. The faint chanting in this desolate scene surprisingly carried a sense of transcendence. Regardless of whether the young and strong onlookers believed in Buddhism or not, they couldn’t help but stop and watch, seemingly trying to draw some compassion from the Buddhist chants.
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There were also sounds of crying, some loud, some soft, drifting in the corners. Some were due to unbearable pain, some from fear, and others from the grief and cries of losing loved ones. Merged with the Buddhist chants, it created a strange and eerie atmosphere.
Watching this scene, Liang Feng felt his heart being tightly squeezed, making it hard to breathe.
These people, most of whom were farmers working in the fields just yesterday, but today, they staked their lives to fiercely battle for the city. The reason for this fight, Liang Feng knew better than anyone else.
It was for power.
Because of Pei Dun’s presence, because of Sima Yue’s suspicion, he had to find a way out. A path that could make the aristocrats pledge allegiance, the soldiers return, and the people’s hearts lean towards him, all while being a legitimate and righteous route. He had anticipated Pei Dun’s aggressive military actions and even Liu Hu’s opportunistic ambush. He had meticulously planned and arranged with figures like Duan Qin, Yiyan, and Sun Li. All for the purpose of doing everything possible to smoothly take over the military authority of Bing County from the newly appointed peace general.
Did he do the right thing?
Now, all the aristocrats in the city had sent out their private soldiers, and countless young and strong individuals had volunteered for the battle. Even if he just called out, the elderly, women, and children would climb up the city walls. After the Battle of Lishi, those generals would recognize who was the only hope for Jinyang and even Bing County. If everything went as expected, Pei Dun would die in the battlefield, sweeping away the last obstacle for him.
He had achieved it. He had created everything before him.
What if he didn’t fight this battle? What if he had killed Pei Dun in the Peace General’s residence beforehand? Once the newly appointed peace general unexpectedly died, how much turmoil would arise in Jinyang City? How much would he have to pay to suppress the aristocrats, even resist the court, and save more lives? How many lives would be lost with that choice?
It was a question without a correct answer. Choosing one meant sacrificing the other. And he chose the one most advantageous to himself.
A choice made with human lives.
Perhaps because he had been standing for too long, someone below suddenly noticed his figure.
“Lord!” “It’s the Buddha’s disciple!” “May the Yaoshi Buddha bless us!”
The scattered voices gradually grew louder, drowning out even the cries of pain and wailing. Many of the wounded struggled to get up, wanting to bow and worship the noble figure who seemed like a deity.
Looking at those sincere faces, Liang Feng suddenly felt the weight of the armor on his shoulders, making it unbearable. He opened his mouth, squeezing out some words, “Thanks to all of you, Jinyang has been defended. There will be another fierce battle tomorrow, with casualties, but Jinyang still stands. Thank you all.”
As he spoke, he bent down deeply, offering a solemn bow to the kneeling crowd.
The clamor grew even louder, and there were even some touching sobs. Liang Feng forcefully swallowed his saliva, but the lump in his throat refused to dissipate.
“Commander! Commander, quickly go!”
In the central army, a guard shouted loudly. However, Pei Dun could no longer hear clearly. Mounted on his horse, his eyes widened, glaring at the chaotic battlefield before him, his mind filled with disbelief. How could the Xiongnu still have a cavalry? How could they endure until this moment? Why couldn’t the central army stop them?
An arrow, like a swift feather, penetrated through the chaotic crowd, aiming towards Pei Dun. His mind was completely stunned; he clumsily tried to dodge, but couldn’t avoid it entirely. Fortunately, the arrow slightly deviated, grazing his neck and leaving a long bloody gash.
Instinctively raising his hand, pressing on the wound, a searing pain shot through Pei Dun. The grinding sound of his teeth echoed, and his expression, whether filled with hatred or fear, became grimacing.
“General! The central army can’t hold on; quickly leave this place!” A soldier on horseback rushed up, grabbing Pei Dun’s mount.
The tall Wusun warhorse let out an impatient neigh, and Pei Dun finally woke up from his daze. The human wall in front of him was only a thin layer, and from a distance, he could see splashing blood and smell the pungent stench. His heart clenched into a knot, and the idea of resisting and protecting the command flag evaporated. He tightly grasped the reins, said nothing, turned his horse, and fled into the distance.
Pei Dun was wearing the Mingguang armor, imposing and dazzling. However, on the battlefield, it was like a shining copper mirror, making it nearly impossible to see. Therefore, his escape was extremely awkward, with numerous bodyguards covering his side. He was crouching on his horse, desperately trying to flee from the pursuit in the densely packed enemy formation while the central army had not completely dispersed.
Liu Cong did not pursue it. Instead, he took off the sturdy bow from his horse, arms fully extended, drawn to the extreme. Liu Cong was vigorous and agile, and his archery skills were unparalleled. However, the arrow did not aim at anyone; with the release of the bowstring, a crisp “click” was heard, and the command flag of the central army fell with a sound!
“The chief commander is beheaded! Pei Dun is dead!” Liu Cong pulled the reins, loudly announcing. In the face of the enemy, everything relied on the command flag; it was the soul of the army, sometimes even more crucial than the general himself. Since Pei Dun abandoned the command flag, how could Liu Cong let go of such an opportunity?
All the Xiongnu soldiers shouted in unison. Thousands of light cavalry, like burning sharp blades, pierced through the central army in an instant. With this move, news of the slaughter of the chief commander spread throughout the enemy camp.
After piercing through the central army, Liu Cong did not rush back immediately. Experienced in battle and knowledgeable in military tactics, he naturally knew that the enemy’s left wing was now rushing to reinforce. Cavalry trapped in the formation could be troublesome. It was better to wait for the enemy’s morale to completely collapse, and then annihilate this force of Bing County troops with the main force that had previously pretended to retreat.
Advertisement
However, unexpectedly, the chaotic central army did not fall into disarray due to the destruction of the command flag. Instead, it gradually regrouped. What’s going on? Could it be that Pei Dun, that timid fellow, has returned to the central army again?
“Stabilize the formation! Quickly relay orders to all officers and generals; they are not allowed to leave their posts without permission! Governor Liang is still in Jinyang. As long as we hold the line, we can safely return to the city!” Linghu Kuang shouted hoarsely, his personal guards shuttling through the battlefield like trying to control a frenzied wild horse, constantly gathering the central army that was about to disperse.
This Pei Dun! He actually abandoned the command flag and fled alone! The anger that had been suppressed for a long time finally burst out, and Linghu Kuang shouted his innermost thoughts. Without Pei Dun, what difference does it make? Governor Liang is still in Jinyang, and as long as he is there, the situation won’t become uncontrollable. He wants to preserve the remaining strength of Bing County for the lord!
Linghu Kuang had spent time in Shangdang and had fought side by side with Yiyan several times. His methods of training troops, intentionally or unintentionally, were also learned from that strong army. And this kind of imitation played a role at the most critical moment. Without the command flag, he still had his own military banner. Relying on this and Liang Feng’s reputation, he managed to support until Yiyan led reinforcements. The remaining soldiers slowly regrouped, like a hedgehog with raised spines, gradually stabilizing their position.
Seeing the lost opportunity, Liu Cong snorted lightly and didn’t waste anymore effort. When the news of the siege of Jinyang spread, the enemy would naturally be thrown into chaos, and then he could take advantage of the situation to annihilate them.
On this side, Linghu Sheng and his nephew managed to stabilize the situation with great difficulty. On the other side, Pei Dun’s fast horse had not stopped. If the central army collapsed, more than ten thousand soldiers would scatter, and being involved in the rout would be unimaginable!
“Commander! The enemy has not caught up!” Pei Dun dared not look closely, but his personal guard beside him observed the surroundings and shouted loudly after escaping from the chaotic army.
What? Pei Dun couldn’t help but turn his head to look. Indeed, chaos reigned behind, and there was no sign of the enemy pursuing. The tension that had lingered for a long time suddenly dissipated, but Pei Dun did not stop his footsteps. The number of his personal guards had dwindled from five hundred to less than one hundred, losing more than half. Leading just seventy or eighty people seemed unsafe. Moreover, there was still a large army besieging Jinyang in the rear, making it virtually impossible to escape.
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Steward Liu Changshi was nowhere to be found, and there was no one to consult. After hesitating for a moment, Pei Dun finally said, “Let’s head to the supply camp first!”
The supply camp was still in the rear, and news of its fall had not yet been heard. It might be better to hide there for now and wait until there was news from the central army before sending someone to rendezvous. With a determined mind, Pei Dun immediately urged his horse and headed towards the direction of the supply camp with his men.
Zhao Da’s face was gloomy as he stood guard in front of the supply camp. After the ambush that day, the camp officer did not mistreat them, the “temporary laborers” who came to their aid. He selected four or five hundred men to reinforce the camp. This way, most of his men and horses changed into military equipment, becoming soldiers in the army. If it were someone else, it might be a bitter experience, but for Zhao Da and the others, this was the best opportunity.
However, today came the news that Jinyang was besieged. This was much worse than expected. With this development, the front army was almost certain to change, and even a rout was possible. He wondered if they had successfully completed their mission.
Just as he was thinking about it, a cavalry unit suddenly rushed towards them. There were only seventy or eighty people, and the one in the middle was actually wearing bright light armor! With a thump in his heart, Zhao Da tightened the long spear in his hand. Damn it, isn’t this Commander Pei? Why isn’t he with the central army and running alone to this place? What’s the situation with the front army?
However, in an instant, a murderous intent arose in Zhao Da’s eyes. Such a commander, indeed as General Yi had said, could not be allowed to live! Sending a secret signal to those around him, several guards at the camp gate immediately put on a vigilant and fearful appearance, raising their weapons.
“Make way! The commander is returning to the camp! No one dares to obstruct!” The front few cavalrymen shouted, wielding their whips, charging towards them.
This was a real drive, leaving no strength behind. Zhao Da’s face was whipped until it bled, and with a fearful expression, he shrunk his body to open a passage. The group of people showed no intention of dismounting and stopping; they just wanted to rush into the camp gate.
However, just as Pei Dun’s carriage was about to pass through the camp gate, Zhao Da suddenly shook the long spear in his hand, as if it had been scared away, directly sliding towards the head of the high-headed horse. The shining spearhead faced the horse’s face. No matter how majestic and extraordinary it was, a sudden shining sharp object in front of its eyes still startled the Wusun steed.
The horse losing control wasn’t a big deal, but after fleeing for so long, Pei Dun finally reached his own tent. Pei Dun relaxed both physically and mentally, caught off guard and unable to steady himself. He was thrown off the frenzied horse’s back. Unfortunately, horses were galloping from all directions, and no one anticipated such an accident, not even a chance to pull the reins.
Advertisement
A chaotic scene of shouts and neighs erupted from the group of guards. Zhao Da immediately signaled his companions to retreat silently.
“General!” a guard dismounted, eyes filled with rage, rushing towards the fallen commander in the dust.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
Falling abruptly from the horse and trampled several times by charging horses, a part of Pei Dun’s chest collapsed, and his arm twisted in a bizarre angle. In his wide-open eyes, there was sheer disbelief and anger. He seemed to want to speak, opening his mouth with an “ah” sound, but what came out was bloody spittle. Blood seeped from his mouth, eyes, and ears.
This was a fatal situation. With bloodstained fingers clutching his throat, a chilling sensation ran through the guard’s heart. With the commander dead, all of them, the guards, were destined to be buried! They had fought their way out of the enemy’s formation, only to have the horse stumble here. How could anyone accept this fate after such a desperate struggle?!
He fearfully lifted his head, attempting to look at his brothers beside him, but all he could see were evasive expressions. For a moment, the only sound in the field was Pei Dun’s dying wheezing.
No one could save him!
Suddenly, a horse neighed, and someone spurred their horse, fleeing outside the camp. Too many had been lost in this battle, and he didn’t want to risk his life further. One person fled, and soon others began to stir. In no time, they scattered and fled. These guards were well-trained by the Pei family, but Pei Dun was headstrong and particularly harsh on his subordinates. To risk their lives and be held responsible for an accident, who could endure that?
Seeing the people and horses around him fleeing, the sound of footsteps and shouts came from the camp. The guard gritted his teeth, pried open Pei Dun’s trembling fingers, turned around, and grabbed his mount. Before the soldiers in the camp rushed over, he kicked the horse fiercely, and the horse neighed loudly, disappearing into the distance.
Pei Dun, unbelievably watching those around him flee, transformed his anger into fear and despair. He lifted his arm with force, wanting to grasp something. However, that hand ultimately fell to the ground. Blood continued to flow, turning into a silent stillness.
※
Liang Feng walked down from the city wall, staggering. He had stood on the wall all day, sweat soaking through his clothes. Even his fingertips were cut by the crossbow strings, and blood flowed down his back. It had been a long time since he felt so exhausted and disheveled.
The sky had completely darkened, and the tide-like attacks temporarily ceased. However, it was only the first day, and the duration of the defense was unknown. The battle on the city wall had always been a contest of will and determination, not to mention the stacking of lives.
Standing on the stairs, he looked down at the city. In the shadows, countless wounded lay sitting or lying down. The doctors and nurses from the city were all pulled out, and many people still lay on the ground, yet to be attended to. One reason was the limited manpower, and the other was the intense battle before, where, aside from those truly on the verge of death, who wasn’t fighting with injuries? After dark, the number of young and strong individuals carried down from the city walls immediately increased several times, with medical staff coming in and out, still struggling to provide urgent treatment.
In addition to doctors, many monks from the Huai’en Temple were also assisting. They were bandaging wounds, transporting the wounded, and even standing directly at the city’s edge, performing rituals for the deceased. The faint chanting in this desolate scene surprisingly carried a sense of transcendence. Regardless of whether the young and strong onlookers believed in Buddhism or not, they couldn’t help but stop and watch, seemingly trying to draw some compassion from the Buddhist chants.
Advertisement
There were also sounds of crying, some loud, some soft, drifting in the corners. Some were due to unbearable pain, some from fear, and others from the grief and cries of losing loved ones. Merged with the Buddhist chants, it created a strange and eerie atmosphere.
Watching this scene, Liang Feng felt his heart being tightly squeezed, making it hard to breathe.
These people, most of whom were farmers working in the fields just yesterday, but today, they staked their lives to fiercely battle for the city. The reason for this fight, Liang Feng knew better than anyone else.
It was for power.
Because of Pei Dun’s presence, because of Sima Yue’s suspicion, he had to find a way out. A path that could make the aristocrats pledge allegiance, the soldiers return, and the people’s hearts lean towards him, all while being a legitimate and righteous route. He had anticipated Pei Dun’s aggressive military actions and even Liu Hu’s opportunistic ambush. He had meticulously planned and arranged with figures like Duan Qin, Yiyan, and Sun Li. All for the purpose of doing everything possible to smoothly take over the military authority of Bing County from the newly appointed peace general.
Did he do the right thing?
Now, all the aristocrats in the city had sent out their private soldiers, and countless young and strong individuals had volunteered for the battle. Even if he just called out, the elderly, women, and children would climb up the city walls. After the Battle of Lishi, those generals would recognize who was the only hope for Jinyang and even Bing County. If everything went as expected, Pei Dun would die in the battlefield, sweeping away the last obstacle for him.
He had achieved it. He had created everything before him.
What if he didn’t fight this battle? What if he had killed Pei Dun in the Peace General’s residence beforehand? Once the newly appointed peace general unexpectedly died, how much turmoil would arise in Jinyang City? How much would he have to pay to suppress the aristocrats, even resist the court, and save more lives? How many lives would be lost with that choice?
It was a question without a correct answer. Choosing one meant sacrificing the other. And he chose the one most advantageous to himself.
A choice made with human lives.
Perhaps because he had been standing for too long, someone below suddenly noticed his figure.
“Lord!” “It’s the Buddha’s disciple!” “May the Yaoshi Buddha bless us!”
The scattered voices gradually grew louder, drowning out even the cries of pain and wailing. Many of the wounded struggled to get up, wanting to bow and worship the noble figure who seemed like a deity.
Looking at those sincere faces, Liang Feng suddenly felt the weight of the armor on his shoulders, making it unbearable. He opened his mouth, squeezing out some words, “Thanks to all of you, Jinyang has been defended. There will be another fierce battle tomorrow, with casualties, but Jinyang still stands. Thank you all.”
As he spoke, he bent down deeply, offering a solemn bow to the kneeling crowd.
The clamor grew even louder, and there were even some touching sobs. Liang Feng forcefully swallowed his saliva, but the lump in his throat refused to dissipate.
