Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Cai Mao led over ten thousand soldiers, marching proudly out of Xiangyang, setting up camp at the foot of Xianshan. Clad in silver armor and wielding a long blade, he stood at the front of his formation, his troops lined up in order, banners fluttering and drums thundering. However, a hint of tension was evident on his brow, as if he sensed an impending fierce battle.
Sun Jian's army surged forward like a tidal wave, banners stretching across the mountains and fields. Sitting tall on horseback, he scanned the enemy lines and let out a cold smile. "Cai Mao dares to act recklessly, relying on Liu Biao's power. Today, I shall cut down his arrogance!" He urged his horse forward and called out to his generals, "This man is Liu Biao's brother-in-law. Who among you is willing to take his head?"
Cheng Pu rode forward, raising his iron spear and declaring loudly, "I am willing to serve my Lord!" Without waiting for Sun Jian's response, he spurred his horse into action, charging straight for Cai Mao.
Seeing Cheng Pu approach, Cai Mao immediately reined in his horse to face him, his long blade gleaming with cold light. The two clashed at the front lines, their weapons colliding with sparks flying. At first, Cai Mao managed to hold his ground, but after just a few exchanges, Cheng Pu's spear descended like a mountain, forcing him to gasp for breath. Suddenly, with a loud shout, Cheng Pu swung his spear down towards Cai Mao's shoulder, causing Cai Mao to panic and flee.
Sun Jian observed Cai Mao's retreat and drew his sword, pointing it forward as he shouted, "All-Out Attack! Do not let them have a moment's respite!" As soon as he finished speaking, the army surged toward the enemy lines like a tidal wave, the sounds of battle shaking the heavens.
The Xiangyang forces were thrown into disarray; morale plummeted as soldiers abandoned their weapons and fled. Sun Jian's army pursued relentlessly, leaving corpses scattered everywhere and staining the land of Xianshan with blood. Cai Mao returned to Xiangyang in utter disarray, covered in mud and looking ashen.
Inside the city, Kuai Liang arrived upon hearing the news and faced Liu Biao with a grim expression. "My Lord," he said mournfully, "Cai Mao underestimated the enemy and ignored my counsel, leading to our defeat. According to military law, he should be executed as an example!"
Liu Biao furrowed his brow upon hearing this and turned to his trusted aides beside him. After a moment of silence, he spoke solemnly: "Mao is my family; he recently married my sister. If we punish him today, will it not harm our family ties?" With that said, he waved Kuai Liang away.
Sun Jian ordered his troops to split into four routes to encircle Xiangyang heavily; the assault was fierce and relentless as the defending forces neared collapse. One day, the weather suddenly changed; strong winds arose that obscured the sky and unsettled the soldiers' hearts. Suddenly, the large flag bearing the character for "General" in the central camp ripped apart in the gale, and its pole snapped with a loud crack. Han Dang’s expression shifted as he hurried forward with cupped fists and said: "My Lord, this is an ominous sign. Should we temporarily withdraw our troops to plan for future strategies?"
Sun Jian shot a cold glance at Han Dang and replied firmly: "Han Yigong, when did you start believing in such omens? Victory or defeat in war relies on people—not heaven! Our army has been victorious time after time; Xiangyang is already within our grasp. To retreat over a mere broken flagpole would be laughable!"
Han Dang showed signs of hesitation and was about to persuade again when Sun Jian raised his hand to stop him; determination burned in his eyes. "No more words! Today I will break Xiangyang and slay Liu Biao beneath my horse’s hooves to eliminate this threat for Jiangdong!"
The order to attack was given; drums resounded once more as arrows rained down upon the city walls. The defending soldiers atop Xiangyang City displayed signs of panic; however, Kuai Liang remained calm. Standing atop the city tower and gazing at the dark clouds whipped by the wind, he sighed deeply before turning back to Liu Biao: "My Lord, last night I observed celestial signs and found that the southern star is flickering precariously and its light is dimming. Based on my calculations regarding territory divisions, it must pertain to Sun Jian. This is a sign from heaven favoring Jingzhou; if we can harness this power, perhaps this crisis can be resolved."
Liu Biao's eyes flickered with doubt as he slowly asked, "Zi Rou, how should we leverage our strength?"
Kuai Liang's gaze was deep as he leaned in and whispered, "Quickly send a messenger with a letter to Yuan Shao in Hebei, asking for military assistance. Yuan Shao has longstanding grievances with Sun Jian; if his forces pressure the borders, Sun Jian will have to retreat. The city can be safeguarded, and Sun Jian may withdraw without a fight."
Liu Biao personally took up the pen and wrote an urgent letter. After sealing it, he turned to survey the assembled generals and asked in a deep voice, "Who is willing to break through the encirclement and deliver this letter to Yuan Shao's camp?"
Before he finished speaking, a robust general stepped forward, clasping his fists and declaring, "I am willing to take on this mission!" It was none other than Lord Lü of Jingzhou. Seeing this, Liu Biao's expression softened with gratitude, though concern still lingered. He turned to Kuai Liang, silently seeking advice on the next steps.
Kuai Liang pondered briefly before stepping in front of Lord Lü. His gaze was intense as he spoke earnestly, "Since you have such courage, you must act with caution. Listen to my plan: I will provide you with five hundred elite troops, selecting those skilled in archery. After leaving the city, head straight for Xianshan and move swiftly. Sun Jian will not allow you to escape easily; he will certainly pursue you. At that time, you must divide your forces. One hundred men should hide along the mountain paths, stacking stones at higher ground and waiting for the right moment to strike; another hundred archers should conceal themselves deep within the forest. The remaining three hundred will continue with you but avoid a direct route—twist and turn through the mountain paths to lure the enemy deeper into your ambush."
He shifted his tone to one of stern warning: "If the pursuers arrive, follow my orders. When arrows and stones are released together, it will disrupt their formation. Then signal with the Linked Pearl Horn cannon; our troops within the city will swiftly come out to assist. If the pursuers have not yet arrived, do not fire the cannon to avoid alerting them; focus entirely on reaching Yuan Shao's forces and delivering this letter. Tonight's moonlight is dim; the conditions are favorable for your departure once darkness falls."
Lord Lü's expression hardened with determination as he bowed deeply in acceptance of his orders: "I will not fail in my mission!" Kuai Liang patted his shoulder and added quietly, "This operation concerns the survival of the city; I hope you will give it your all and proceed carefully."
Liu Biao looked at Lord Lü and said solemnly, "The safety of Jingzhou's people rests on your shoulders. May you leave quickly and return safely; I will await your news from atop the city." Lord Lü clasped his fists in salute before turning away to select his elite troops and prepare for action.
As night fell, Xianshan was shrouded in a veil of quiet darkness, with moonlight filtering through sparse clouds casting faint glimmers. Lord Lü led five hundred elite troops out of the city under cover of night. The eastern gate opened slowly before closing swiftly behind them as if nothing had happened. He lowered his voice to command his men as they advanced rapidly toward Xianshan.
In Sun Jian's tent, a gentle breeze stirred as candle flames flickered. He was reviewing battle reports when suddenly shouts erupted outside followed by the sound of galloping hooves. A soldier rushed into the tent in a panic and reported, "General! A group of enemy troops has exited through the eastern gate and is fleeing toward Xianshan!"
Sun Jian sprang to his feet, hand resting on his waist Pei Jian as he scoffed, "Just cornered beasts fighting back; today I shall make sure they cannot escape!" He quickly donned his armor and mounted his horse with over thirty loyal soldiers.
On their way, Sun Jian caught sight of flickering lights from the enemy’s rear like a fire dragon moving through the night. He shouted loudly, "Lord Lü! Do not flee!" His furious roar echoed through the valley. Lord Lü glanced back feigning panic before quickly reining in his horse to confront Sun Jian.
The two clashed with their spears sparking against each other. Lord Lü defended without attacking; after blocking one of Sun Jian's strikes, he immediately turned his horse towards deeper parts of Xianshan.
Sun Jian's eyes gleamed with ferocity as he pursued relentlessly. He shouted to his soldiers beside him, "Do not follow too closely; let me take this traitor's head first!" His men cried out in alarm, "General! Please reconsider!" But Sun Jian ignored them and urged his steed forward like lightning into the forest.
The night mist hung thickly among the mountains, and the path grew increasingly winding and narrow. Sun Jian rode at breakneck speed, yet he could no longer see Lord Lü's figure ahead. Gripping his spear tightly, he shouted, " Lord Lü, where are you running?" His voice echoed through the valley.
Suddenly, a deep gong sounded from the mountaintop, shattering the surrounding silence. Sun Jian's heart tightened; before he could react, countless stones cascaded down like a torrential rain from the summit, while hidden archers in the forest unleashed a barrage of arrows. The sharp whistling of arrows filled the air as stones struck the ground with violent tremors, sending up a cacophony of noise.
Sun Jian quickly raised his shield to defend himself but was struck by a massive boulder, throwing him off balance and nearly toppling him from his horse. He gripped the reins tightly, intending to turn and retreat when an arrow pierced through his chest with brutal force. Another arrow struck his helmet heavily, blood instantly seeping out and staining his cheeks as he breathed.
Sun Jian swayed in his saddle, still trying to steady himself, gritting his teeth as he roared, " Lord Lü, you despicable coward!" However, his voice gradually weakened until he finally tumbled from his horse and crashed heavily to the ground. His eyes widened in disbelief and anger before ultimately losing focus.
Arrows and stones continued to rain down in the mountains; Sun Jian's soldiers fell one by one, their bodies strewn across the ground like a scene from hell. In the entire Xianshan area, only Lord Lü's commanding voice and the triumphant beating of drums echoed through the night sky.
Comment 0 Comment Count