Chapter 474
Your Highness, die
"There is Qi army ahead."
Luo Ting walked to a carriage and spoke into it.
At this time, there were no other soldiers around the carriage.
No one knows who the person in the carriage is.
All I knew was that there was a distinguished person who would be accompanying me on the march.
Just then, the curtain of the carriage was slowly lifted.
Luo Tingdu was surprised, while the adults inside got off the carriage and slowly walked towards the marching troops.
Next, it was the soldiers' turn to be astonished.
But in just a moment, they all realized what was happening, and one by one they knelt on one knee, clenched their fists, and exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness!"
"I have returned."
.........
Ji Yuan, standing outside Shuofeng City, clenched his fist in excitement as he watched his army of over ten thousand men storm into the city.
Even if the King of Heaven himself came, there would be no way he could escape at this point.
They had already surrounded the city with their soldiers, layer by layer.
The more than 10,000 troops inside will be continuously resupplyed.
Yes, he won't send all his troops in at once, which would create a gap in the encirclement.
He would rather his soldiers have no numerical advantage in urban warfare and continue to trade one-for-one or even more trades with the enemy, he wouldn't care.
“As long as Wei Wu is dead or alive, the area south of the Chishui River will be leaderless,” Chen Xing said excitedly. “Moreover, the major policies of the Yu Kingdom will be completely overturned at this time.”
The principle is very simple.
Why is the former Prince of Jin, now the emperor, being suppressed?
Because of the existence of Wei Wusheng.
The emperor and his ministers, as well as the brothers, of the Great Yu Dynasty seemed to be in harmony, but that was because the great hand of Heaven was suppressing them. The emperor had no choice but to accept it.
Rather than reluctantly refusing to comply, it's better to act like brothers and make the situation more pleasant.
Now that Wei Wu is dead, the first thing the emperor needs to do is to reclaim his power and become the real emperor, instead of just an honorary emperor.
What about Song Shi'an?
If Song Shi'an could maintain a large number of surviving troops, he might be able to return to Sheng'an.
But if his return route is blocked and he retreats back to Sheng'an with less than half of his military strength, he will surely be attacked and torn apart by those noble forces. With great power in his hands, he can at most become a feudal lord and can no longer realize his dream of being a powerful minister who assists the country.
Wei Wusheng, he is a flag.
Once this flag falls, the Anson Party will also fall.
"Of course," Ji Yuan said, unusually excited. "He is indeed a young hero with outstanding courage, but he has forgotten his place. If it were me, I would never have personally put myself in such a desperate situation."
This city can be defended, but not by myself.
In ancient times, once the commander-in-chief was beheaded, the outcome of the war was no longer in doubt.
"This Wei Wusheng won because he was a hero, and he also lost because he was a hero," Chen Xing commented.
And so, the two waited for the good news that Wei Wusheng had been killed.
However, inside were the most elite troops of the Great Yu, and even the entire world. Even though the city had fallen, the street fighting brought both sides back to square one. So Ji Yuan's army fought fiercely inside for several days, attacking the governor's mansion six or seven times, only to be driven out six or seven times. The corpses in front of the mansion were piled up like strawberry towers, a truly tragic scene.
Just then, a centurion was dragged in front of Ji Yuan, accused of desertion.
However, upon seeing Ji Yuan, he excitedly exclaimed, "Your Majesty! I have important matters to report! I have important matters to report!"
Soldiers who entered the city were generally not allowed to retreat until they were killed in battle.
They were also supplied by soldiers who came in from outside.
Therefore, if they come out from inside, they will be immediately identified as cowardly lizards and leave the battlefield.
Looking at the centurion covered in blood, Ji Yuan, sitting on the grass, remained calm and said, "Let him speak."
“Your Majesty, I have met Wei Wusheng. It was during the Battle of Shuofeng that we were only a few dozen steps apart… or even a dozen steps apart.” He said excitedly, “I will never forget his face, not even if he were reduced to ashes.”
When he said this, Ji Yuan's heart skipped a beat.
But the imperial air about his face remained very tense.
I didn't say anything, just waited for him to continue.
"We stormed into Shuofeng City, and then I sent troops to attack the Prefect's mansion. Inside, a handsome general, eight feet tall and clad in golden scale armor, wielded a large spear and charged towards me and my brothers. At first glance, I did indeed think he was Wei Wusheng..." He swallowed hard, looked at Ji Yuan whose expression remained unchanged, and then said with unwavering resolve, "But after he reached the bottom, I recognized him; it was definitely not him. This person was younger, more impulsive, and incredibly brave in battle!"
His words were incredibly sincere, and the details were as rich as a novel, making it seem like there was absolutely nothing wrong with them.
"Kill them." Ji Yuan made the decision without hesitation.
"Your Majesty! I'm telling the truth!" He had barely opened his mouth when he was dragged away by the men on both sides, so he could only shout loudly, "Your Majesty! We may have fallen into a trap! Wei Wusheng is elsewhere—"
Before he could finish speaking, his head hit the ground.
Blood gushed out, reaching a height of several meters.
Such a bloody scene did not even make Chen Xingxing turn his head.
Instead, he looked at his emperor.
Ji Yuan's expression remained unchanged. After executing the man, he ordered, "Without my order, no soldier or officer who has entered the city may withdraw without authorization. Anyone who disobeys will be executed."
"Yes," Chen Xing said.
"And another thing," Ji Yuan continued, "whoever kills Wei Wusheng will be rewarded with ten thousand gold pieces and granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households."
"Yes."
And so, at this crucial moment, Ji Yuan continued to fan the flames even brighter.
At this moment in Shuofeng City, Wei Yixing wiped the bloodstains from his face with the back of his hand, looked at the corpses on the ground, and let out a smug laugh, which made the other Imperial Guards around him feel a little creeped out.
This prince is indeed quite brave.
The entire governor's mansion was staffed with two thousand elite troops, just waiting for the enemy to attack.
No matter how many come, we can kill them all.
In other places, fierce battles are also taking place.
The plan for urban warfare was decided long ago, so there were many ambush points in various streets, buildings, and even sewers.
Therefore, the 1:1 kill ratio that Ji Yuan desired will not be achieved.
The score is now close to 2.5 to 1.
If all the people here were to die in battle, Ji Yuan's army would also suffer a severe blow.
Of course, no matter how loyal an ancient army was, it was impossible for it to maintain its organizational structure after being completely destroyed.
Once the prefect's residence is captured, Shuofeng should also be defeated.
"Your Highness, please rest for a while," Qin Kuo said nervously as he approached Wei Yixing.
He was terrified that the kid would die here.
But to be honest, they could all die here.
Because they were used as bait, and successfully tricked Ji Yuan, they have to bear all the wrath.
However, Wei Yixing did not turn his head; he continued to look towards the door.
On that day, just as the army was about to retreat, Wei Wusheng found him.
He said, “Wei Yixing, this battle has reached the point that Song Shi’an and I wanted. Next, I will use the north wind and a raging fire to trap his army. And you will play the role of me, leading the remaining army to deliver a fatal blow to Ji Yuan at the most critical moment.”
Wei Yixing said, "Why should I impersonate you?"
"Because only I can command Beiliang. All the soldiers will be fired up when they learn of my arrival. A mighty and spirited army will easily defeat Ji Yuan's army that has been unable to conquer Shuofeng for so long. In this way, our army will win."
"No, I want to fight, and I want to fight the strongest Ji Yuan. Otherwise, Song Shi'an will use the excuse that I'm picking up scraps to humiliate and belittle me."
"You care a lot about Song Shi'an's opinion?"
"I'll leave him speechless."
Wei Yixing did care about Song Shi'an's opinion, but the real reason was not so.
He resembled Wei Wusheng. If he were on the city wall, wearing his armor and with his flag behind him, even Ji Yuan, who had spoken with Wei Wusheng face to face, would immediately mistake him for Wei Wusheng.
Therefore, he could easily use himself as bait to defend the city.
He did not do that.
Whether it was out of pity or brotherly affection, Wei Yixing didn't know.
If it were a brotherly bond, Wei Yixing would trample it underfoot like the sole of a shoe, and would not show such affection.
If it's out of pity, then that's even more impossible.
No one can pity him; if it really comes to that, he will die with the glory of royalty.
Therefore, he must refuse both pity and love. "Kill Wei Wusheng, and you will be rewarded with ten thousand gold pieces and granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households!"
A loud voice came from outside the prefect's residence.
And, the sound of dense footsteps of an unknown number.
"Go back quickly, don't die," Wei Yixing said.
An imperial guard quickly helped Qin Kuo up and led him inside, saying, "Sir, let's go first."
"Your Highness, please take care!"
Prefect Qin Kuo was taken away.
Soon, Ji Yuan's soldiers stormed in, determined to capture Wan Jin and Wan Hu Hou.
In the first round, countless arrows flew to the doorway.
After shooting and killing more than a hundred people, the enemy rushed up to them and closed the distance to close combat.
The arrows of the Great Yu ceased, and spears and broadswords thrust and slashed.
Wei Yixing himself wielded his heavy spear, spinning around and hacking at the Qi people like cabbages...
"kill!!!!"
.........
"Young Grand Secretary, we have been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
“That Ji Yuan is truly cruel and heartless, treating us like pigs and dogs.”
"We, the people of Yu, have longed for your return year after year!"
Tens of thousands of civilians, militiamen, and members of prominent families prostrated themselves in worship with tears streaming down their faces after Song Shi'an arrived.
These shouts made the young Grand Secretary seem even more like a god.
No matter how prestigious their status or how old they were, they all kept their heads in the dust.
With a smile, Song Shi'an raised his hand to them and said loudly, "I came not to conquer, but to reclaim. Wherever I am, wherever the Yu army is, this is Yu territory. From this moment on, requisition all cloth, and wherever you look, I want to see the banners of Great Yu flying!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
After Song Shi'an arrived, he quickly subdued all the people here.
As for the common people, anyone who resisted was killed.
Those who did not resist were all taken.
Previously, Ji Yuan did something: after taking Wuwei, he removed the soldiers but kept the civilians.
Song Shi'an also slaughtered everyone who had even the slightest title or status.
Ji Yuan is creating conflict, and so is he.
The difference is that Song Shi'an needs the support of the largest group to win the world.
Wuwei?
No, he's not in a hurry to fight.
And so, under Song Shi'an's command, all the rural areas were captured.
Of the five cities, two county towns, which did not have many troops and were not very important, surrendered voluntarily.
An important meeting was held in the military camp.
"Young Grand Secretary, why don't we take advantage of this situation and capture the other cities besides Wuwei as well?" Wei Le said to him.
“No.” Song Shi’an waved his hand and said, “I want to capture Ji Yuan.”
Although Ji Yuan was on the south bank, he still controlled the ferry crossing on the north bank, with elite troops and several strong fortified camps distributed in a pincer formation.
"Young Grand Secretary, I'll go!" Song Tu stepped out from the ranks and clenched his fist at him.
Song Shi'an was waiting, waiting for an opportunity.
And he had actually been waiting for this moment for quite some time.
Because Ji Yuan abandoned the entire Chishui River, the exchange of intelligence became much easier, and he also knew that Shuofeng City had been captured.
He knew that Wei Yixing inside was very likely to die.
However, he is not the key to the problem.
Just then, San Gou rushed into the tent and said to Song Shi'an, "My lord! The Sixth Prince's banner has been raised, and he has begun a fierce attack on the encirclement of Ji Yuan!"
"it is good!"
Song Shi'an was finally able to play his card. He said to Wei Le, "General Wei Le, lead 20,000 troops to Wuwei, but do not attack."
"Yes!" Wei Le accepted the order.
"The rest of you will follow me to attack the northern ferry fortifications," Song Shi'an continued. "Song Tu, you will be the vanguard, and Huang Tong will be your deputy. Set out first. Fight if you encounter a battle, and raid any fortified camps you see. No need to ask me for permission. Make a big commotion!"
"Yes!"
.........
"Your Majesty, an army from the west, bearing the banner of Wei Wusheng, has broken through several of our lines and is about to attack. Several other reinforcements are also launching a fierce assault," Chen Xing hurriedly reported to Ji Yuan, who was watching the battle from outside.
Ji Yuan remained silent, still gazing at Shuofeng City.
"Your Majesty, Xiao Qun has also crossed the river. The garrison in the north can only move towards the ferry crossing," Chen Xing continued. "Our route back to the north is currently clear, but if the stalemate continues, we fear we will be cut off."
"Lord Chen, do you want to ask why I am so fixated on this fake Wei Wusheng and refuse to leave?" Ji Yuan countered.
"..." Chen Xing did not expect that the other party had already confirmed that the person inside was a fake Wei Wusheng, and it seemed that they had accepted this fact a long time ago.
So after hesitating for a moment, he said, "Does Your Majesty intend to at least secure that grain?"
"With so many troops, how could he completely keep his whereabouts a secret, making everyone believe that Wei Wusheng was in Shuofeng City? Why?" Ji Yuan asked.
After a brief pause, Chen Xing quickly realized: "He concealed his whereabouts from everyone and announced in a high-profile manner that he was guarding Shuofeng. Apart from a very small number of high-ranking officials, no one else knew that he was in hiding."
“Even if he were really there, even if he appeared right in front of his men,” Ji Yuan said firmly, “the troops in other directions wouldn’t know.”
“Even if Wei Wusheng sent someone to deliver a message to the other reinforcements, the soldiers might not believe it,” Chen Xing said. “That’s why only Wei Wusheng’s army was advancing so rapidly.”
While the real Wei Wusheng could indeed boost morale, it's impossible for a mere name to inspire soldiers to fight.
“That fake Wei Wusheng really looks like Wei Wusheng,” Ji Yuan said.
"As long as we can capture the fake Wei Wusheng, we can use his head to completely destroy the morale of the other reinforcements in an instant!" Chen Xing was shocked by Ji Yuan's skillful and daring operation; this was definitely a brilliant plan.
"Whether it is Wei Wusheng or not is not important. Wei Wusheng is in Shuofeng City. If we break through Shuofeng City, then the fake Wei Wusheng will become the real Wei Wusheng."
Ji Yuan gritted his teeth, feeling both hatred for Song Shi'an's treacherous scheme and his own way of dealing with it.
This is the most intense clash of aces in the world.
Ji Yuan may lose, may die, but he will never be cowardly.
He would fight for any opportunity, however small, with tenfold effort.
"Take down Shuofeng City, take down the fake Wei Wusheng, boost our army's morale, and then defeat the allied forces."
Chen Xing looked at the emperor with a sharp gaze and said, "Whether Wei Wusheng is there or not is not important, but our emperor will always be there."
.........
"Your Highness."
In the makeshift tent at night, Ye Changqing found Wei Wusheng, his expression full of worry.
He knew the inside story of this matter.
Besides him, there were Zhu Qing, Qin Kuo, and Wang Dalong.
No one else, including Xiao Qun, knew about it.
That's all to make this performance seem real.
"Changqing, you've arrived." Wei Wusheng looked at him.
"We revealed our true form, but that was because Your Highness personally appeared in this army," Ye Changqing said. "In the other armies, even if we sent people to explain the matter, not to mention the soldiers, most of the officers would think that this was a strategy to boost morale."
“Of course,” Wei Wusheng said. “After all, everyone knows that I’m in Shuofeng.”
"All indications suggest that even though Ji Yuan knows we are here, and that His Highness's true form is here, he still chooses to conquer Shuofeng City first," Ye Changqing analyzed. "What if His Highness, the Prince of Jiangling, he..."
"He will not be captured."
Before Ye Changqing could finish speaking, Wei Wusheng interrupted him, adding, "Moreover, even if he dies in battle, Ji Yuan will not obtain his body."
…………
"Your Majesty, we have captured the eastern granary, but the grain sacks are covered in kerosene. Before we could even unload the grain, rockets flew in again..."
As the city's supervisory team reported to Ji Yuan, a towering fire had already ignited in Shuofeng City, soaring towards the clouds.
Ji Yuan slowly raised his head, staring at the firelight, remaining silent for a long time. (End of Chapter)