Chapter 730
The Liao army risked their lives, vowing not to retreat until Huyang was captured!
The Liao army on the other side had long lost its pre-battle momentum.
The remaining soldiers, abandoning their armor and weapons, fled in panic and disarray towards the main camp.
In the chaos, Gongsun Yuan's carriage, which had been closely following the army and heavily guarded, had disappeared silently into the fleeing crowd.
Meanwhile, Xu Kuan, the commander-in-chief of the army, disappeared amidst the chaos, and no one noticed his whereabouts.
At this moment, Xu Kuan was galloping on his horse and soon arrived at a secluded forest.
This was the meeting place he and Gongsun Yuan had secretly agreed upon long ago.
Gongsun Yuan had been waiting there for some time. When he saw Xu Kuan riding up, he stepped forward and asked:
"General Xu, is this truly the only option left?"
Xu Kuan dismounted, raised his hand to the sword at his waist, and asked in return:
"If Your Highness has a better plan, please speak frankly. The Liao army has suffered a great defeat and its morale is shattered. Do you have any other way to extricate yourself and plan for the future?"
Gongsun Yuan was speechless; his lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word.
He knew in his heart that Xu Kuan's words were true. Now that defeat was inevitable, there was no other way but to take this path.
Seeing that he had no reply, Xu Kuan said no more:
"Your Highness, there's no time to lose, it's time to begin."
Gongsun Yuan's face turned pale. He gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice:
"bring it on."
Now that things had come to this, he had no way out and could only let Xu Kuan do as he pleased.
Xu Kuan nodded slightly, his tone solemn:
"Your Highness, I apologize."
Gongsun Yuan closed his eyes, his clenched fists bulging with veins, and waited quietly for Xu Kuan.
The wind in the forest suddenly picked up.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility of the forest.
Before long, Xu Kuan, covered in blood and his robes soaked through, bent down and carried the heavily wounded and weak Gongsun Yuan on his back. He then mounted his horse and galloped towards the Liao army's main camp.
When they rushed back to the military camp, it was still in chaos.
Upon seeing this, the accompanying physician immediately helped Gongsun Yuan down and examined his injuries.
The doctor looked grave, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper. He then took out wound medicine and bandages and began to clean and bandage the wound.
After the bandaging was completed, the doctor stood up, bowed to Xu Kuan, and reported:
"General Xu, the young master's injuries are extremely serious. The wounds are deep enough to expose the bone, and he has lost too much blood. The conditions in the camp are too poor to provide proper treatment. The only way to save his life is to send him back to Xiangping City and give him careful care."
Xu Kuan feigned a furrowed brow and a troubled expression, remaining silent for a moment before speaking in a deep voice:
"Someone, immediately dispatch a team of elite troops to escort the prince back to Xiangping overnight. Make sure the prince is safe and there are no mishaps along the way."
Once the military order was issued, Xu Kuan immediately selected elite troops and equipped them with carriages, horses, and guards.
After everything was arranged, Gongsun Yuan lay down in the carriage, and the group slowly drove away from the military camp, speeding towards Xiangping.
Xu Kuan stood at the entrance of the camp, his gaze fixed on Gongsun Yuan's carriages as they drove away.
Only after that figure completely disappeared from sight did the solemnity in his eyes slowly dissipate, revealing a subtle, almost imperceptible depth.
After the carriages and horses had gone far away, Xu Kuan turned around and returned to the camp. He immediately summoned the artisans and soldiers in the army and personally directed everyone to rush to make the city-breaking carts.
Today, the Liao army suffered a major defeat and its morale is low. If it cannot break through the gates of Huyang City and engage the Han army in a direct confrontation, the Liao army will have no choice but to wait for its demise.
Breaking through the city gates was the Liao army's last chance of survival.
As night fell, the Liao army camp and Huyang City presented two completely different scenes.
Inside the Liao army camp, the soldiers drank to keep warm, trying to dispel the gloom of the day's defeat and boost morale.
Inside Huyang City, the Han soldiers raised their cups in celebration, cheering and rejoicing at their victory over the Liao army and the defense of the city.
Amidst the noise.
Xu Kuan walked up to the platform and raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.
Once things had calmed down in the camp, he said in a deep voice:
"Soldiers, in today's battle, General Xun fought bravely and died a heroic death."
As soon as he finished speaking, the camp fell into an instant of deathly silence, and the previous noise vanished without a trace.
The soldiers all looked solemn and remained silent with their heads down.
Today's battle, Xun Shi's fearless and courageous demeanor at the forefront, is deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Liao soldier.
Many soldiers were dissatisfied with Xu Kuan's decision to withdraw his troops, but they did not speak out due to military regulations.
Xu Kuan's gaze swept over the crowd, and he slowly spoke:
"I know that many people resent my order to withdraw troops today, thinking that I am cowardly and have failed General Xun's sacrifice."
As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion arose among the soldiers below the stage.
Xu Kuan suddenly raised his voice, his tone firm and resolute:
"However, think about it carefully. Even if we fight with all our might, we still cannot breach the walls of Huyang City today!"
"The Han army relied on the city walls for defense and their defenses were tight. Our army was unable to break through after a long siege, and our soldiers suffered increasing casualties, while the Han army suffered almost no casualties!"
He paused, his gaze becoming even sharper:
"If we don't withdraw our troops and continue to fight to the death, we will only suffer heavy casualties and eventually be wiped out!"
"At that time, General Xun's sacrifice will truly be meaningless. Do you want General Xun to die in vain and have his blood shed for nothing?"
Xu Kuan practically roared out his last words.
The crowd fell into deep thought, their dissatisfaction gradually fading and replaced by lingering fear.
Reflecting on today's battle, the city walls remained unconquered for a long time, and soldiers fell one after another, while the Han army remained as steadfast as Mount Tai.
If they continue to fight to the death, the consequences will be unimaginable.
When the Liao army is destroyed, Xun Shi's sacrifice will indeed be of no value.
After calming down, many soldiers were sweating profusely and secretly rejoiced that Xu Kuan had made the decisive decision to withdraw his troops today.
Seeing that everyone's expressions softened, Xu Kuan's tone became more gentle:
"We cannot let General Xun sacrifice in vain, nor can we let the Liao army be annihilated. Tomorrow, our army will change tactics and no longer launch a direct assault on the city walls, but will focus on breaking through the city gates!"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers below the stage immediately looked puzzled.
"General, we stormed the city walls before to open the gates, so why change tactics?"
Someone immediately questioned this.
Xu Kuan raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and slowly explained:
"A direct assault on the city walls would result in too many casualties. Our army has already suffered heavy losses and cannot afford to continue such attrition."
"Tomorrow, we will use the hastily made siege battering rams to concentrate our forces and break through the gates of Huyang. Only by breaking through the gates can we confront the Han army head-on and have a chance of victory."
His gaze swept over the crowd:
"This is our last chance as the Liao army, and it is also our only way to avenge General Xun and defend Liao territory!"
That brings us to this point.
Xu Kuan stopped speaking and quietly observed the expressions of the soldiers below the stage.
A moment later, the soldiers raised their heads, the doubt in their eyes dissipating, replaced by determination.
Their fighting spirit rekindled, and their low morale finally rose again.
Xu Kuan looked at the impassioned Liao soldiers below the stage, took a deep breath, and shouted:
"Drive the Han traitors out of Liao and avenge General Xun!"
Everyone was stunned at first, and after a moment of silence, they erupted completely.
"Drive the Han traitors out of Liao! Avenge General Xun!"
"Drive the Han traitors out of Liao! Avenge General Xun!"
Shouts echoed over and over the Liao army camp.
The previously low morale was completely ignited.
...
The Han army camp inside Huyang City.
Under the bright lights, the Han soldiers sat together, raising their cups and drinking heartily, their laughter and cheers filling the air as they celebrated their great victory in defeating the Liao army.
…The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and the eastern sky began to lighten, the Liao army camp was already filled with a grim atmosphere.
Xu Kuan had already stood up, his military uniform stained with blood that had not yet dried.
Before the battle, Xu Kuan once again ascended the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the Liao soldiers below, to deliver his final pre-battle mobilization speech:
"Soldiers, today's battle is a battle for the life and death of our Liao army!"
"Yesterday's defeat resulted in heavy losses, and General Xun heroically sacrificed his life!"
"Today, we have no choice but to burn our bridges and break through the gates of Huyang City with all our might, kill the Han traitors, avenge General Xun, protect the Liao Kingdom, and survive!"
Xu Kuan placed his hands on the sword at his waist and suddenly raised his voice:
"Break down the city gates and kill the Han traitors!"
"Break down the city gates and kill the Han traitors!"
"Break down the city gates and kill the Han traitors!"
The soldiers' shouts responded instantly.
The morale soared to the sky.
Xu Kuan was also inspired by this high morale, drew his sword, and pointed it in the direction of Huyang City:
"Army attack!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Kuan mounted his horse and charged out of the camp, followed closely by the Liao soldiers.
The mighty procession, like a galloping dragon, sped toward Huyang City.
The Liao army had only advanced a few miles when the Han scouts in Huyang City learned of the situation and rushed back to the city to report.
"The Liao army is launching a massive attack and is rapidly advancing towards Huyang City!"
The scout added that the Liao army had actually brought siege engines with them on this expedition!
The camp was immediately thrown into turmoil.
Yesterday, the Liao army was fleeing in disarray, but today they are so fearless and have even brought weapons to breach the city.
Only Xiao He remained calm and silent, continuing to follow yesterday's plan, ordering his soldiers to perform their duties without the slightest slackening.
Military orders are absolute, and the Han soldiers immediately composed themselves and sprang into action.
Huyang City was instantly enveloped in a somber atmosphere.
Before long, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar, and dust billowed up, obscuring the sky.
The Liao army gradually came into view.
Xiao He leaned against the city wall, gazing into the distance, carefully observing the Liao army's formation.
When he saw the lone, broken city chariot in front of the Liao army, a knowing glint flashed in his eyes.
He instantly realized that the Liao army was determined to fight to the death today, with a do-or-die spirit.
Xiao He turned around and spoke calmly to Zhang Liao beside him:
"Wen Yuan, the Liao army has come with all its might today and is in high spirits. So go ahead and fight to your heart's content."
He paused, then added:
"Also, pass down the order to the soldiers to lightly guard the city gates and not to rush to stop them. If they want to attack, let them attack."
"Here!"
A hint of excitement flashed in Zhang Liao's eyes.
On the city wall, the Han soldiers were already ready.
"Everyone, get ready!"
The order was issued.
The crossbowmen gripped their crossbows tightly; the heavy crossbows were already cocked.
The archers drew their bows taut, arrows pointing straight into the distance.
At Xiao He's command, a volley of arrows will be unleashed to repel the invading enemy.
Ma Su and Fei Yi climbed the city wall and came to Xiao He's side.
Both of them looked solemn.
Today, the safety of Huyang City and the victory or defeat of the Han army are at stake. They have come here specifically to assist in the battle and also want to offer advice and strategies to Xiao He at any time.
Xiao He raised his finger and pointed to the Liao army formation in front of him.
Ma Su and Fei Yi looked in the direction he was pointing, their eyes landing on the Liao army's formation. When they saw the broken city chariot, both of them were stunned.
Fei Yi frowned:
"The Liao army suffered a major defeat yesterday, yet today they've only brought one siege engine. Are they going to fight us to the death?"
Xiao He sneered and said coldly:
"Since they insist on a decisive battle, I, Sima, will grant their wish!"
Outside Huyang City, the Liao army's formation was as neat as if cast in iron, waiting only for their commander's order to break through the city gates and storm into the city.
Xu Kuo stood at the front of the formation, his gaze sweeping over the entire army, and said loudly:
"Prepare for the siege!"
As soon as the order was given, the Liao army's shield soldiers quickly formed ranks, their heavy shields stacked one on top of the other, like a moving city wall tightly surrounding the siege ladders and breaching carts.
The shields faced the city walls, effectively protecting the siege equipment and blocking any arrows that might be fired from the walls.
"attack!"
Xu Kuo pointed his longsword straight at the gate of Huyang City, his voice like thunder.
Before the words were even finished, the siege engines, which had been poised to strike, roared as they crashed into the heavy city gate, propelled by the Liao army.
On the other side, the ladder team also carried heavy ladders and rushed towards the city wall.
In just a few breaths, the siege ladder was erected on the city wall.
The Liao soldiers dared not delay for a moment, climbing with both hands and feet, their blades in their mouths, hoping to reach the top of the city wall as soon as possible and break through the Han army's defenses.
The Han soldiers on the city wall were already in high alert. When they saw the Liao army setting up ladders and climbing, they did not panic at all. Archers drew their bows and shot arrows like raindrops at the climbing Liao soldiers.
Stones and logs rained down from the city walls, and the screams of the Liao soldiers echoed through the air.
Even so, the Liao soldiers continued to climb, one after another, without the slightest hesitation.
At the same time, the battering ram had arrived at the city gate, and the huge battering ram, carrying immense force, slammed against the city gate again and again.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The sound of the impact was deafening, and the city gate shook violently.
Inside the city, the Han soldiers had already heard the sounds of fighting and collisions outside. They were all eager to fight and fully prepared for battle, showing no fear on their faces.
They were bursting with energy, with only one thought in their minds:
Today is the day for a bloody battle, a day to fight bravely against the enemy and achieve great deeds.
in the crowd.
The most excited were Guan Xing and his companions, who were young and vigorous and could no longer suppress their desire to kill the enemy.
As soon as the city gates open, they will be the first to rush out and fight the Liao army to the death.
Without Han troops inside the city to hold back the city gates, the already crumbling gates could not withstand the continuous pounding of the siege engines.
With a loud crash, the heavy city gate swung open, splinters of wood flew everywhere, and dust billowed.
The road behind the city gate suddenly opened up.
As soon as the city gates opened, Han soldiers poured out of the city like a tide, rushing towards the Liao army, and instantly became entangled in battle with the Liao soldiers who were close to the city gates.
Seeing that the city gate had been breached, a fierce glint flashed in Xu Kuo's eyes. He immediately drew his sword and shouted, launching a full-scale attack.
He took the lead, leaped onto his warhorse, and galloped towards Huyang City.
Just as Xu Kuo had run a few steps, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure rushing out from the corner of his eye.
It was Zhang Liao! (End of Chapter)