325 Battle for Chu Capital to Break the Siege

he had dated before but never felt the bone-deep love that some people talked about."If Jade falls in love with someone, will you live and die together"Ye Li turned curiously to look at the man loungi...Bloody Battle for Chu Capital, Breaking the Siege

The arrival of the Black Cloud Cavalry made what seemed like an easy victory more difficult. The troops defending Chu Capital suddenly became much stronger. Although the northern army still outnumbered them by ten to one, the narrow streets of the city made it hard for their numbers to be effective. Moreover, these soldiers who knew every inch of Chu Capital were better than those from the north. Even if they couldn’t drive out the northern troops completely, it was impossible for them to occupy Chu Capital.

Feng Zhiyao stood on the city wall inside the city and watched the distant battle from above. He gradually noticed that large numbers of northern troops were not attacking the defending soldiers but rushing crazily towards the west gate. A cruel smile appeared on his handsome face, "They want to capture the western gate It won’t be that easy." Yun霆, who was following him, crossed his arms and looked at the massing northern forces in the distance, saying, "Are they trying to take the western gate first so as to cut off the way for Mo’s army into the city, then deal with the defenders here"

Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, “No need to worry. The Prince gave me a few toys before I left. However..." Feng Zhiyao frowned in puzzlement, "This thing seems dangerous to use inside the city…" But Yun霆 didn’t have such concerns, "It’s not like we care about that now. When they really attack us, these people won’t even be enough for them to eat."

Feng Zhiyao stroked his chin and nodded, "You’re right! Actually, I don’t know how good this thing is either… you there... take your stuff and block those guys." He turned around and waved his hand, calling over a Kirin squad leader who had come with them. The Kirins were also very excited; they had possessed this thing for some time but never had the chance to use it. Following Feng Zhiyao’s instructions, the squad leader signaled, and immediately led a team of Kirins down the city wall each holding a rectangular box.

In the city, the northern soldiers rushed towards the west gate at Yao Riqing's order but were hit by explosions one after another as soon as they reached the street near the gate. The northern troops hadn't even figured out what was happening when they were blown up and their bodies scattered everywhere. If it had been from Central Plains, people would have seen fireworks before; however, in this northern wildland where the life of people before Yao Riqing’s unification was no better than that of a primitive tribe, who could possibly see such an ear-splitting sound and destructive power Many northern soldiers were so terrified they thought it was heavenly punishment and giant thunder from heaven. Those hit by explosions didn’t even need to be mentioned; those not hit lay on the ground in shock. Primitive tribes often feared nature more than people from Central Plains.

After a round of explosions, the street was filled with smoke and the ground littered with bloody soldiers. On the nearby city wall, Yun霆 stared wide-eyed in disbelief and stammered, "Is… is this thing given to you by the Prince" It was too terrifying. He had clearly seen the Kirin guys hiding something along the streets. And after those northern people entered, they became like that now. If Ye Li were here, she would think these effects were nothing special. For years in that secret imperial mausoleum, the best results from their research weren't even as good as hand grenades; how could TNT, which could blow up a six or seven-story building with just one pound be compared As for the firearms developed in the underground palace of the imperial mausoleum, Ye Li didn’t even want to take them out. The range and accuracy were worse than bows and arrows. Let's wait another four or five generations before improving them. But for people who still knew how to make fireworks and firecrackers, these effects were still horrifying.

Feng Zhiyao nodded woodenly but hid his shock inside. Inwardly, he cursed Mo Xiuyao; why didn’t he bring out such a powerful weapon earlier

Actually, this was completely unfair to Mo Xiuyao. These things were handmade and no production line had been established yet. Eight or seven of them could be considered high output for a month, but their destructive power wasn’t particularly high either. The devastating effect on the street just now required over a hundred items placed along both sides of it by Kirin people. Such inconvenience in carrying and high cost in production, plus something that couldn't even kill three people when thrown onto an open area, Mo Xiuyao really hadn’t planned to widely use them in battle for some time. The northern soldiers were just unlucky; with so many people squeezed on such a narrow street, who else could they blow up other than themselves

The northerners weren't completely without brains either, and soon someone reacted, yelling loudly: "This is the trick of Central Plains! Don’t be afraid. Charge forward and kill them!" The northern soldiers were indeed tough; with one person leading, many quickly got back to their feet and charged forward under his lead. The Kirin people on both sides of the houses weren't surprised either, sneering as they dropped dark objects down hard. Black balls landed, and in the momentary shock of the northern troops, exploded loudly, sending nearby ones flying.

Then another round of ear-splitting explosions started again on the street, mixed with cries from the northerners. After the explosions ended, surviving northern soldiers could no longer endure it and fled far away without their armor or weapons.

The loud explosion at the west gate was heard throughout Chu Capital; even Ren Riqing outside the city heard it too. His gaze instantly turned cold as he asked, "How can this be"

Someone soon staggered out of the city to report, "Your Majesty, Mo’s army has some demonic objects. Our soldiers have suffered heavy casualties."

Ren Riqing was immediately furious with his face turning green as he said, "I want to know what kind of demon object is so powerful!"

The soldier who reported trembled and said, "The soldiers didn’t see clearly what it was. They only heard the deafening sound and then saw many people dying in blood."

"Are you saying that your troops haven't even seen anyone from Mo’s army" Ren Riqing asked. The soldier thought for a moment and still nodded; they indeed hadn’t seen any figures of Mo’s soldiers.

"Damn it! This Prince doesn't care what kind of monsters the Mohist army has. Within an hour, take back West Gate for me!"

The soldier hesitated before saying, "But... many soldiers say that heavenly punishment is being brought down because of a divine curse, so they wouldn't dare to go there..." Ren Qining sneered and said, "Heavenly punishment On such a clear day where could thunder come from If it's true that heaven is punishing us, then let the lightning strike me first. Give an order: if West Gate isn’t taken back within an hour, bring the head of the commanding officer to see this Prince!"

"Yes."

Looking at the soldier who left fearfully, Ren Qining's face twisted into a more terrifying expression. Heavenly punishment! Preposterous! Mo Xiuyao… did you really obtain what our ancestors left behind Ren Qining grew up in a truly hidden noble family; those around him were all former officials loyal to the previous dynasty. Naturally, he had seen many books about the past, even some rare original texts that didn’t exist anymore. Among them was a personal letter written by one of the founding emperors which vaguely mentioned certain things. Originally, Ren Qining hadn't paid much attention since his ancestor never used those objects to conquer the world back then. Furthermore, none of the subsequent emperors had ever seen any mysterious and powerful weapons, so it wasn’t clear if they were real or not. However, when he now thought about the previous dynasty’s treasures in recent years, what more was there for him not to understand At that time, while busy suppressing various tribes unwilling to submit under him, Ren Qining still sent people to monitor the incident in Northwest China. Yet, no treasure was found and those who wanted it all failed. He never expected Mo Xiuyao could get his hands on them secretly.

"Good for you, Mo Xiuyao! I’ll have to see how powerful you are!" Ren Qining snorted and gritted his teeth.

The fighting in the city continued from dusk till nightfall. The capital, which should have been quiet by now, was still brightly lit with sounds of battle. On West Gate’s side, Feng Zhiyao and Yun Ting were also prepared for battle. Yun Ting frowned as he gazed at the fires in the city: "If reinforcements can’t arrive soon, we might not be able to hold on any longer." Feng Zhiyao said grimly, “The Prince promised they’d come; there’s no problem. As long as West Gate doesn't fall into the hands of the northerners, all issues will be resolved once the Mohist army enters the city.” Although he said this, Feng Zhiyao knew it wouldn’t be easy. They had encountered almost crazy resistance from the Northern Rong soldiers along their way, but they still made it to the capital in such a short time. Moreover, Black Cloud Cavalry was several times faster than infantry; therefore, for the army to arrive within one or two hours would be extremely difficult.

Yun Ting wasn’t someone who worried too much either and said with a sigh: “What you say is right. We’ll just have to hold West Gate no matter what!”

"Feng San!" Not far away, Leng Haoyu, in blood-soaked clothes, charged up. His injuries were even more numerous than when he left earlier. "When will reinforcements arrive!" He asked angrily as soon as they met.

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes and supported him: “They’ll be here when the time is right. Do you think it’s easy for us to get this far”

Leng Haoyu panted, leaning against the wall and said with a helpless tone: "If the Prince doesn’t come soon, we’re in trouble."

"I know," Feng Zhiyao replied. He might not be able to hold on much longer either if he delayed any more. Although the northern soldiers were frightened by Qilin’s minefields placed on streets, some groups had attempted to forcefully break through them despite being driven back; another attempt would lead to close combat. Qilin used up all his bombs and moved elsewhere to kill enemies.

Yun Ting said: "Brother Leng, rest here for a while. I’ll go down." As he spoke, Yun Ting held his spear and headed towards the city gate. Leng Haoyu pulled him back saying: “Don’t go; you need to defend the gate with Feng San. I have people to find.” The city was in chaos everywhere due to fighting. Colder et al had long been scattered. Chuzhou wasn't small, making it very difficult to find someone in this situation. However, Leng Haoyu couldn’t not go.

“But...” Yun Ting worriedly looked at Leng Haoyu’s injuries. Leng Haoyu patted his shoulder and smiled: “Just superficial wounds; don’t worry. I’ll be going…”

"Wait!" Feng Zhiyao stopped him, a manic grin breaking out on his face: "Reinforcements are here!”

Everyone turned to look and saw a fire dragon moving quickly towards them in the distance. It was initially only visible intermittently but soon became clear as day. Not long after, the sound of approaching horse hooves could be heard too. Feng Zhiyao shouted loudly: “Reinforcements are here! Open the city gates!” Cheers erupted on top of the city wall.

The first to arrive were still the Black Cloud Cavalry sweeping ahead; in the dark night, black cavalry rushed through the city gate, unhesitant as they charged into the city and clashed with Northern soldiers inside. Soon enough, the people atop the city gates saw Mo Xiuyao riding a horse, dressed all in white among the troops: “The Prince is here! The Prince is here!” Red fireworks blossomed again in the night sky; amidst the fighting and bloodshed of Chuzhou, cheers and laughter sounded.

On an east side street of the city, Wei Lin led a few soldiers being surrounded by a large group of Northern soldiers. There were already piles of dead bodies around them, but facing more enemies opposite them. Blood still wet his black clothes, yet it was hard to see in the dark night. With a cold gaze towards the Northern soldiers staring at him fiercely, Wei Lin sneered and raised his long sword, flashing cold light while spilling blood.

Already fighting non-stop all day, even Wei Lin felt tired now; not to mention the ordinary soldiers around him. Soon enough, the soldiers beside Wei Lin fell one by one. Wei Lin’s eyes filled with blood as he quickly slashed his way into enemy ranks. Just when those Northern soldiers were overjoyed about finally getting rid of this troublesome figure, a group of soldiers in uniforms completely different from Chuzhou and Northern troops charged towards them. Leading the charge was a tall man with handsome features; in his hand was a sharp sword reflecting cold light where any Northern soldier failing to dodge would become its victim.

The arrival of this fresh force instantly turned the tide of battle.

"Who are you!" An angry soldier from the Northern Frontier shouted不甘地。

The man immediately gave him a disdainful glance and, without hesitation, swung his sword past him, saying, "I am General He Su."

"Big Brother..." Wei Lin looked at the armored man in surprise. Wasn't this An Yi who they had not seen for years An Yi, taking big strides to help up Wei Lin, smiled and said, "Little Four, after all these years, are you both well" Wei Lin nodded his head and replied, “We're fine but Big Brother was sent on a mission by the Princess Consort and hasn't come back yet…” Although they knew that An Yi had been sent away on a task by the Princess Consort, they didn’t know what it was. In recent years, there were times when they worried about him in secret. They never expected to see him again as a general leading troops.

He Su smiled and said, "The Princess Consort once told me that I am more suited to lead an army than others. So she asked me to anonymously join under General Murong’s command as a soldier. After going through various places over the years, I’ve finally lived up to her expectations."

"Congratulations, Big Brother." As Wei Lin was also from the Secret Guard and had been brothers with He Su under the Princess Consort, he genuinely felt happy for him.

He Su smiled and said, “I heard about you guys too. The Prince has already brought his army into the city. You seem to have sustained quite a few injuries. Let’s head west of the city first and get some rest.” Although Wei Lin was wearing black clothes that did not reveal any wounds, He Su was no ordinary person; he could tell from the look on Wei Lin's face that he must be badly hurt. So, he called over several soldiers to escort Wei Lin to the western part of the city while continuing with his own troops into the city to clear out the remaining Northern Frontier forces.

The fighting in the city finally stopped only at dawn. But there were still some small places where the battles continued. Soldiers from the Mo Family Army were still moving around the streets and alleys searching for any remaining Northern Frontier soldiers and injured people from Chu Jing.

At dawn, Mo Xiuyao stood with his troops on the northern city wall of Chu Jing, looking down at the Northern Frontier’s military camp. Although there were still hundreds of thousands of troops outside the city walls, none of the Mo Family Army's men paid any attention to them. After this battle, not only did the Northern Frontier forces fail to capture Chu Jing, but they also lost a large number of soldiers and generals. Even if we don't count manpower, their morale has surely dropped.

After that bloody battle, it seemed as though heaven had developed some compassion. As soon as dawn broke, snowflakes began to fall lightly from the sky. Mo Xiuyao was still in his white clothes without a cloak and stood on the city wall covered with light snow. Looking down from above, he appeared like a divine being looking over human affairs. Even at such a distance, Ren Qi Ning and other Northern Frontier generals felt an indescribable pressure.

"My Lord! We have found Huo Guogong!" A guard came to report urgently.

Mo Xiuyao turned around and asked, "Where is he"

The guard hesitated for a moment before saying, "Huo Guogong is in the southern part of the city. He's severely injured... perhaps..." Everyone’s hearts sank, knowing well what the guard meant with his unfinished sentence. Mo Xiuyao was silent for a short while and said, “I’ll go see him. General Lu, you take over here.” Lu Songxian didn’t say much but nodded silently.

Huo Guogong was in a small alley at the south of the city. When they found him, he had already been severely injured and could not move. Lying nearby were dead bodies of soldiers from both Northern Frontier and Chu Kingdom. A sword was still stuck inside Huo Guogong’s body. He sat alone on a stone pillar near the entrance to the alley, taking a rest. The winter night in Chu Jing wasn’t much warmer than the Northwest; yet, Huo Guogong was already over seventy years old, nearly eighty. With such severe injuries, his face had taken on a bluish hue.

"Old Duke!" Mo Xiuyao took one step forward and supported Huo Guogong. He glanced at the military doctor nearby and asked, "What happened Why hasn't anyone treated Old Duke’s injury"

Huo Guogong raised his hand to stop Mo Xiuyao and shook his head, saying, “No need. I know my own condition. It's too late…”

Mo Xiuyao lowered his head to check the sword wound; his expression darkened as well. Huo Guogong’s injury was in a vital spot, where perhaps there would have been some hope for survival if he were younger and stronger. But now, pulling out the sword might cause him to die right away. Closing his eyes briefly, Mo Xiuyao said softly, "Old Duke, we came too late."

Huo Guogong shook his head and glanced at Mo Xiuyao with a forced smile. “I understand how hard it is for you. You managed to arrive in time... so that Chu Jing didn't fall into the hands of Northern Frontier people...that’s great…”

Mu Xiuyao lowered his eyes in thought, one hand supporting Huo Guogong's shoulder and using true qi to keep him alive while instructing, "Find someone from the Huo family." A guard beside him hurriedly reported that they had already sent people out; if everything was alright with the Huo family members, they would be there soon.

Hearing Mo Xiuyao's words, the Duke of Huaguo had a hint of a smile on his lips and asked in a low voice, "Are Tianxiang and the others well"

Mō Xiùyáo replied solemnly, "They are fine. Tianxiang has already set a date to marry Qingfeng several months from now. Qingfeng, come here!"

Xu Qingfeng hurried over and respectfully said, "Old Duke…" The Duke of Huaguo struggled to lift his head and looked at him with a smile, saying, "The Xu family's children… are all good kids. Very well, this old man won't be able to witness your wedding. From now on, you must treat Tianxiang well." Xu Qingfeng couldn't help but feel tears well up in his eyes as he nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Old Duke... Grandfather..."

"Good kids..."

A series of hurried footsteps could be heard outside the alley. A young man rushed over anxiously, shouting, "Grandfather! Grandfather..."

The Duke of Huaguo lifted his head to look at him and a glimmer of relief flashed across his eyes before he slowly closed them.

"Grandfather!" When the youth reached him, he saw the Duke of Huaguo smiling as he closed his eyes. He fell to his knees in front of him and burst into tears. Mo Xiuyao's expression dimmed slightly as he withdrew his hand from the Duke of Huaguo’s shoulder. In a solemn tone, he ordered, "The Duke of Huaguo died for the country, fighting bravely until his last breath. Spread the word to bury him with the honors due to a prince and confer upon him the posthumous title 'Zhongxin Hou'."

"I will follow your orders."

In many places in the capital city, similar tragic scenes were unfolding. In this battle, countless soldiers had fallen. Not only did the guards of Chu Capital and the Black Cloud Cavalry suffer casualties, but also members of Mo Family's troops fell. Both ordinary soldiers and high-ranking generals perished.

In another place, Leng Haoyu strained his injured body to look at the person lying on the ground before him, a complex emotion that no one could understand flashing in his eyes.

Leng Huai knelt on the ground with his eldest son's cold body cradled in his arms. When they found Leng Qingyu, he was already dead, an arrow piercing his chest right at the heart. This brother who had always been stern and proud, unwilling to acknowledge himself as a concubine-born child, ultimately fell silently on the streets of Chu Capital without leaving any last words.

Leng Huai hugged his son’s cold body, tears streaming down his face. Regardless of everything else, this was the son he loved most and had put the greatest hope in. The pain of losing a son was even more excruciating than dying himself.

Without a word, Leng Haoyu approached, squatting beside Leng Huai and whispered, "Father, let's take Elder Brother home first." At this moment, Leng Haoyu, who was also proud, finally acknowledged that this man truly was his elder brother.

Leng Huai turned to look at Leng Haoyu, his gaze falling on the wound on his chest and asked, "How bad is it"

"It's just a superficial injury. Father, let’s go back," replied Leng Haoyu.

Leng Huai nodded and struggled to pick up Leng Qingyu, then walked towards the direction of the Leng Family Manor with Leng Haoyu.

Outro

Ahhh~ The second half of this chapter feels so壓抑啊。為什麼要這樣寫？！但是我的內心告訴我必須這樣寫。華國公終於還是被我寫死了，雖然有請希望能夠救下他但是他還是死了。因為我無法想象他不死要怎麼樣？跟著定王府封王拜相…感覺不能這樣，但是華國公與定王府的關係他又不能和墨修堯作對，那就隻有隱退一條路了。但是對於名將來說，與其這樣還不如戰死沙場成全身前身後的名聲。華國公是為了大楚和大楚的百姓戰死的不是為了定王府。

雖然我不讚成愚忠，但是不可否認不欣賞這些帶著一點點愚忠的人。所以，我寫死了龍陽，寫死了朱將軍，現在又寫死了華國公。

良禽擇木而棲冇什麼不對，但是如果所有人都擇木而棲，未免覺得有些心涼…ld move northwest to seek refuge. Likewise, Lishan Academy would continue its operations in the northwest; students who did not wish to migrate could choose other academies across Chu Kingdom, while t...