Chapter 1029
: The Guardian of Runan City
Chapter 1029: The Guardian of Runan City
At noon,
The bright sunshine suddenly disappeared under the dark clouds. The sky curtain from the north slowly moved southwards, gradually covering the entire sky. The depressing atmosphere was reflected by the army approaching the city. It seemed as if an iron curtain covered the earth.
With the arrival of the imperial army, hundreds of thousands of troops began to divide into two groups, encircling the east and west gates of Runan City from the east and west sides. This move was earth-shaking, with flags waving.
On the official road not far from the South City Gate,
Zhang Jinyu remained silent, looking at the graceful and capable Sect Master Fang. He felt that this woman was no ordinary person. She had noticed something strange that several men had not noticed. Did she really notice it, or was she deliberately trying to attract his attention? Although she did look alluring, he was not a lustful person, so how could he have such thoughts?
He shifted his gaze away from Sect Master Fang's chest and continued to ask;
"Master Fang, don't worry. I will not offend others with my words. What do you think is wrong?"
Fang Bihua pursed her lips. What shocked her was the soldiers guarding the city. Others could not see it, but she could vaguely sense it. After all, she was in charge of the women of a family, and she arranged all the disciples and guardians of the master.
Then he clasped his fists and said;
"Reporting to the Marquis, I noticed that the soldiers guarding the city were all women wearing clothes and armor."
"What,"
"impossible,"
"Is this true?"
Before he finished speaking, the other three sect leaders shuddered and immediately started to refute. Although many of the White Lotus sect leaders were women, it did not mean that the bandits on the top of the city were also women. Even if they were women who traveled around the world, no matter how good their kung fu was, they were naturally weaker than men. In wars, all the soldiers were men.
In this way,
Even Zhang Jinyu's eyes widened, somewhat incredulously. If it was a brothel, a group of prostitutes would be able to fight, but if it was this place, and if all the people on the top of the city were women, there would be no need to say anything else. Just give the order and charge, and maybe they could stand on the top of the city.
But since the sect leader said so, there must be some truth to it.
"What Sect Master Fang said is really a little surprising. Since Sect Master Fang said that those soldiers were women, I wonder what the reason is. I want to learn more about this."
Although Sect Master Fang is tall, she has a heroic spirit due to her long-term martial arts training. Compared with those young ladies from wealthy families, she has an air of transcendence, which is extremely rare.
"My Lord, if there is any way to tell, I can't explain it. It's just a hunch. There are quite a few soldiers wearing armor but standing against the battlements on the city wall. It's a bit abnormal. In addition, they give me the same feeling as the female disciples in the sect, who are lazy."
Fang Bihua shook her head and thought about it. She felt that her intuition was correct and her feeling should be correct too.
But these simple words, let alone the several sect leaders, even Zhang Jinyu felt that they were a bit unreal. Feelings were important, but the guesses were a bit outrageous. The White Lotus Sect was founded by women. He had also read the records of the inner treasury about what happened back then. Only the leader, the saint, and some of the inner court hall masters were women.
The remaining guardians, helmsmen, hall masters, etc., were all men. I have never heard of an example of women forming an army. Even if there is one, it is the example of Hua Mulan in the Northern Wei Dynasty who disguised herself as a man. But I can't help but believe it. I have no choice but to give it a try.
Looking at the figure on the top of the city wall, Zhang Jinyu stretched out his hand and waved.
"Okay, since we can't see clearly from far away, let's get closer. Ningbian, the whole army will move forward and show off our strength."
"Yes, Lord Marquis,"
Following the order from the Marquis, the entire army followed the waving of the flags, quickly changed formations and reorganized, forming a fish-scale formation, pressing forward over an area of dozens of miles in radius. The black-clad, heavily armored troops, plus the cavalry on both wings, more than 200,000 troops slowly advanced, and with the sound of drums and horns, the entire army immediately shouted,
"Fight, fight, fight!"
Three roars resounded through the heavens and earth, causing the enemy troops on the city walls to panic. Many soldiers were so frightened that they fell to the ground, but many still managed to stand there.
"Sister, Lord Luo Yun is not planning to attack the city right now, right? He is in such a hurry to attack. How dare he do that to an exhausted army?"
Tan Ling's face turned pale, and he no longer looked as hopeful as before. As the military books said, the army had come from afar, and the soldiers were tired and could not fight. But now, looking at the soldiers under the dust outside the city, he suddenly felt his hands and feet cold.
Zhu Jin also looked worried and stood there in fear.
"Sister, the imperial army has deployed its troops and is preparing to attack the city. My soldiers are ready. If we go out now, we will be in great danger. Otherwise,
The words were on the tip of her tongue, and she wanted to persuade her, but how could Chu Minjun agree? There was only one way to survive, and if they couldn't catch him, none of them, the abandoned people, would survive. The massacre order in Linshan County was still fresh in their minds.
"No, Tan Ling, open the city gate, you stay on the tower, Zhu Jin and I will lead the troops down. If we are in trouble and can't come back, we are sisters, so we will go together. If it succeeds, we will be sworn brothers in the future."
He looked at the two of them firmly, and they both had red eyes and nodded heavily.
"Let's go down the tower,"
The sound of footsteps faded away, and Chu Minjun's figure could no longer be seen on the top of the city wall. Then, Tan Ling shouted,
"Open the gates,"
The city gate slowly opened.
This move,
Zhang Jinyu, who was walking in the front, had already seen it, and many lieutenant generals also saw it. Many people were delighted, thinking that military merit was just around the corner, and they were just waiting for the Marquis's order to lead the army forward. Maybe they could spend the night in the city.
"My Lord, the city gates are open and soldiers are coming out."
Ning Bian watched the rebels in the city move out and gave them a warning. At the city gate, a general who did not look strong, riding a green horse, and a group of armored soldiers actually came out of the city gate. After a careful count, there were only about a hundred people. I didn't know what they meant.
Zhang Jinyu was surprised. Could this be a fight? What era is it now? Still have such an idea?
"My Lord, how about I go over and meet that man and bring him back alive to you?"
I don't know why, but the originally quiet surroundings suddenly became extremely noisy. The deputy generals and goalkeepers of the Beijing camp around him immediately became excited and rushed to volunteer.
"My Lord, don't choose him. I use a spear and am good at horse fighting."
"Bullshit, Lord, listen to his nonsense. I am using a long sword and I learned the sword techniques of the Guan family. The outcome will be decided in three moves."
"My Lord, this is my general,"
Looking at the mess, Ning Bian's face turned cold and he scolded;
"How disgraceful! Back off."
With a loud shout, the surrounding generals immediately shut up and retreated in anger. Zhang Jinyu also rarely kept silent. He looked at the evil general in front of him, who was just one person, walking straight towards him with a knife. He didn't look like a fighting general. Could it be that he had something to say?
Just when everyone was confused, the thief general put away his weapon, raised a red flag, and shouted loudly while riding on his horse;
"Ru'nan City Guard, Chu Minjun, please see Marquis Luo Yun!"
After he finished speaking, the one hundred armored soldiers behind him also shouted,
"Ru'nan City Guard, Chu Minjun, please see Marquis Luo Yun!"
The sound was just a faint sound to the army, but at this moment, the whole army did not move, there was only the whistling sound of the wind, and Luo Yunhou was leading the army standing in the front, so who didn't hear those people's shouting? They were all female voices, and they were heard clearly.
Almost instantly, the three sect masters, as well as Ning Bian and others, looked at Sect Master Fang of Xuanbing Palace with strange eyes. She really guessed it right.
Zhang Jinyu also praised,
"It is really as Master Fang said, they are all women. Since you want to see me, you have to see me. Let's see what this person wants to say. Chu Minjun, what a good name. You all know this person."
The four sect leaders all shook their heads, saying they had never heard of it. Fang Bihua clasped her fists and said,
"My Lord, since this person is a woman, we must be on guard. It is said that when walking in the martial arts world, we must be careful to avoid three types of people: the elderly, women, and monks. Since this is a woman, I, a humble subordinate, can go and test her."
That makes sense. Zhang Jinyu finally began to appreciate these martial arts schools. It is said that every mouse has its own way, which is absolutely true.
"Okay, since Sect Master Fang has volunteered, I agree."
"Thank you, Lord Marquis," Fang Bihua responded, quickly tightened the horse's belly, pulled the reins, and galloped away. In a moment, she arrived in front of the two armies and faced the enemy general from a distance.
Chu Minjun looked at the person who came and it was obvious that he was not the real boss, but rather a person from the underworld. She was surprised. She did not expect that Luo Yunhou would also intervene in the affairs of the underworld.
"May I ask who is coming and where is Marquis Luo Yun?"
"Humph, if you want to see the Marquis, then I need to test your character. The White Lotus Sect is really out of people. They actually sent a woman to fight. Tsk tsk,"
After some ridicule, Fang Bihua looked at the other party with a sneer.
Chu Minjun frowned. She had never expected that Marquis Luo Yun had a woman under his command. Looking at the person in front of her, she was tall and slender. Although she was covered by a veil, her eyes were full of charm. She must be a beautiful woman. She should be serving in Marquis Luo Yun's tent. If she could capture this person alive, she would be able to see the real boss.
"You and I are both women, why are you laughing at me? If I teach no one, then wouldn't Luo Yunhou be a coward? You have served me well, why are you here to risk your life?"
Fang Bihua was speechless after hearing these charming words. She wanted to explain, but how could she speak those secret words when the two armies were at each other's throats? She snorted coldly.
"Stop talking nonsense and watch this,"
He pulled the reins, drew out his long sword and rushed forward.
Chu Minjun was not to be outdone, he drew out his long sword and rode forward as well. When the two crossed paths, the black embroidered clothes of Xuanbing Palace glowed with a cold light. Fang Bihua actually stepped on the horse's back with one foot, tilted her long sword, and rushed forward with a cold light flashing on the blade.
"Humph, it turns out to be a move from the Xuanbing Palace. You are from the Xuanbing Palace."
Chu Minjun of the White Lotus Sect followed suit, tapping her toes and spinning in mid-air to slash out the "White Lotus Triple Waves." The sword flashed with a cold light, raising clouds of dust. Fang Bihua did not dodge, and actually blocked the half silver moon she had just slashed out with her unique skill "Cold Abyss Breaking the Ice." The moment the two swords collided, flames appeared.
Chu Minjun flew backwards with the force, and after landing, he touched the ground with his back foot, and swept the blade across. The "Thousand-leaf Lotus" turned into several knife shadows and attacked. Fang Bihua was in mid-air, standing on tiptoe, moving like a ghost, and the knife moved in an unconventional way. In an instant, the second round of fighting began.
The fighting scene opened the eyes of the soldiers on both sides, especially Zhang Jinyu, who watched intently. The coming and going, flying and jumping, and the martial arts were breathtaking. If all the generals had such skills, they would be truly invincible.
Looking at the arena again, the two women have been fighting for more than fifty rounds, the fight was so intense that it was tiring to watch, and I wonder if they were tired from fighting.
"I don't know whose general that woman is. She is so brave. It's impossible that all those evil women of the White Lotus Sect have such strength. If that's the case, let alone catching them, we will be the ones to worry about."
Zhang Jinyu sighed. He didn't expect that a woman could be so cruel.
"Don't worry, my Lord. The thief is only relying on her own strength. If she encounters a battle, she will have no choice but to surrender. Don't worry, my Lord."
Ning Bian looked at the two women on the battlefield. Although they fought bravely, they were just martial arts masters. They could only penetrate the armor of ten people.
"Well, that's a pity. Send an order for the two of them to come and see me. I also want to meet the bandit leader."
Zhang Jinyu saw the two women in the arena. They had fought for another thirty rounds. Now their movements were slow and their hair was stuck together. They were so tired that he felt a little sympathetic.
"This is the Marquis. I will send someone to pass on the message."
It only takes a moment.
From the imperial army, the soldiers rushing to the battlefield shouted loudly,
"The Marquis has ordered that the thief be summoned to see the king."
"The Marquis has ordered that the thief be summoned to see the king."
The roar of the mountains reached the ears of the two women, and they separated immediately, each returning to their horses, panting, with a hint of fear flashing in their eyes. Chu Minjun solemnly clasped his fists and said;
"May I ask who you are? You have such skills. You must be someone unknown in the martial arts world."
Chu Minjun thought about it. It was very rare to find someone with such internal strength in the martial arts world, especially a woman. She had never heard of it.
"Fang Bihua, I wonder who the general is,"
Fang Bihua recovered some of her energy. It was only then that she realized that this woman was not an ordinary person.
"The White Lotus Sect's Runan City Guardian, Chu Minjun,"
What? She was actually the commander of a city. Fang Bihua was a little surprised. Could it be that all the men of the White Lotus Sect were dead? Why would they let a woman be the commander?
"Concession,"
With just a few words, he rode back to his camp. Chu Minjun took a deep breath and followed behind alone. As he approached the front of the imperial army, he secretly marveled that Marquis Luo Yun had such a powerful army. The Taiping Sect's defeat was not unfair.
Until I entered the formation, not far away, I saw a group of people standing there
The leader was a man wearing a golden helmet and golden armor, and the soldiers behind him were all the same. Under the sunlight, they reflected a dazzling light. When he came closer, he held a long sword in his hand and bowed.
"Chu Minjun, the defender of Runan City of the White Lotus Sect, greets Marquis Luo Yun,"
As the woman looked at him, Zhang Jinyu had actually looked him up and down when she came over on horseback. When he heard that it was the commander of Runan City, his eyes became a little strange. Coming in so brazenly, wasn't he afraid of closing the door to hit the dog, or catching the turtle in the jar?
"It's really rare. I've fought so many battles, but only today did I encounter the White Lotus Sect's fighting style. Since you are the White Lotus Sect's garrison commander, and you didn't organize the defense of the city, but came here alone, aren't you afraid that I will detain you?"
There was some measurement in her eyes. This woman was tall, with a look of aloofness on her face. Her figure was similar to that of Sect Master Fang, but her heroic spirit was much better than Sect Master Fang's chivalrous spirit. A female general, wow.
"My Lord, you are joking. Your reputation is well-known to everyone in the world. Especially since your name is so famous, it has been a tradition since ancient times that when two armies are at war, envoys should not be killed. I am not afraid of that, so why should I be afraid of your regret?"
Chu Minjun showed no sign of weakness, he raised his head and looked at Luo Yunhou, which made the surrounding generals furious. He was so bold and presumptuous.
Zhang Jinyu nodded and looked at this man with new eyes. He would certainly not lose his reputation for such a small matter.
"What you said makes sense, but you are a rebel. I am a soldier. Since ancient times, soldiers have arrested rebels. This is natural. For me, it is not wrong to be moral. Since you have the courage to talk, I will not be stingy. Tell me, what is your purpose in coming here?"
Looking at this woman, I always feel that there is something fishy going on. All along the way south from Daliang City, the bandits in the cities I met were defending the city like crazy, and no one retreated. But when they met the White Lotus Sect, they did the opposite, either abandoning the city and fleeing, or meeting the person in front of me,
"My Lord, let's be frank. I would like to lead the people of Runan City to surrender to you. I wonder if you can save our lives and property."
Chu Minjun no longer hid and spoke frankly. Hearing this, everyone was probably shocked, only Zhang Jinyu had a playful look in his eyes. He was voting for the marquis instead of the court. These words were very ambiguous.
Just as the generals were about to speak, Lan Yue'er suddenly approached them and whispered,
"My dear, it's OK."
Zhang Jinyu was startled, but he didn't think much about it. He could capture the people, but it would be difficult to deal with so many bandits.
Perhaps seeing that Luo Yunhou was hesitant, Chu Minjun immediately said;
"My Lord, there are more than 20,000 defenders in Runan City, all of whom were captured by the White Lotus Sect. They are women with miserable lives. If you don't let them live, we will perish together with them."
Although he spoke fiercely, his eyes were filled with determination to die. Looking at the extraordinary woman in front of him, Zhang Jinyu was also somewhat moved. It was really unheard of that all the defenders were women.
"Well, since you have the courage to come, I am not a man who does not keep his word. Since you have surrendered to me, I will accept you. Twenty thousand women cannot return home, so I will arrange for you to marry outside the Great Wall as a way of atonement. How do you do that?"
It is not easy to arrange for men, but it is not a big deal for women. There are so many refugees outside the Great Wall, all of them are young and strong. With these people, the Marquis's Mansion can also relieve some of the pressure.
Hearing the Marquis's words of agreement, Chu Minjun's expression moved, his eyes reddened, and he nodded heavily. However, General Xuanwu Ling Yuantao saw that his military merit would be gone if he was right in front of him. With 20,000 women guarding the city, he could take it down with a single charge. Wouldn't it be him who would get the first credit for taking down Runan City? Thinking of this, he blurted out without thinking,
"My Lord, I disagree. You are just a bunch of thieves, but you actually want to deceive me. You are rebellious, you don't appreciate the emperor's grace, and you still want to surrender. How can you expect such good things to happen?"
(End of this chapter)