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墨書 Inktalez
"Is everyone here?" Li Jiancheng asked loudly.
"All present!" the generals below replied in unison.
"Good! Luo Cheng, step forward!" Li Jiancheng commanded.
Luo Cheng immediately stepped out and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "I am here, Your Highness!"
Li Jiancheng looked at Luo Cheng, who stood tall and imposing, about one hundred and eighty-five centimeters in height, with a handsome face. He couldn't help but think to himself: What a fine warrior! It's a pity he is not under my command! Among the top ten warriors in the Sui Tang Yan Yi, most have already perished, leaving only this seventh-ranked Luo Cheng still alive. However, since he is a man of Li Shimin, I, Li Jiancheng, cannot keep him. Otherwise, he will become a significant obstacle in the future!
Moreover, according to the historical script, Luo Cheng was destined to die by the Heishui River.
Thus, Li Jiancheng issued his order: "The Turkic army is already at our gates. I command you to lead two thousand troops out of the city and drive them back to the Heishui River."
"I will obey!" Although Luo Cheng had reservations in his heart, he had no choice but to comply with the military order. After agreeing, he immediately set off.
At that moment, Qin Shubao stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Li Jiancheng. "Your Highness! The Turkic army numbers over one hundred thousand. It is too few for General Luo to lead only two thousand troops out of the city; it may not be wise!"
Qin Shubao spoke up because Luo Cheng was his cousin! He could not bear to see his cousin in danger or facing any mishap.
Wei Chi Gong did not speak up! This was not because he had no connection to Luo Cheng but rather because Luo Cheng had poor relationships with others. Luo Cheng was the son of prince Yan Luo Yi, born into nobility. Coupled with his exceptional martial skills and good looks, he often looked down on rough heroes like Wei Chi Gong and Cheng Yaojin. Since he looked down on them, how could they get along well?
Qin Qiong was a cousin of Luo Cheng's; that was why they got along well. So when there was danger for Luo Cheng, only Qin Shubao would stand up to speak.
In accordance with the historical script, Li Jiancheng would have reprimanded Qin Shubao and disregarded his opinion entirely.
However, this Li Jiancheng had crossed over from modern times; his attitude towards Qin Shubao was different. He knew that Qin Shubao was very upright and that historically he did not participate in the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Therefore, Li Jiancheng felt that Qin Shubao should be kept around for future use.
Immediately, Li Jiancheng nodded and said, "General Qin speaks wisely. General Luo will lead the charge; I will send additional troops to support him."
"Where are General Er and General Qiao?" Li Jiancheng asked the assembled generals.
Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan stepped forward and answered in unison, "We are here!"
"I command both of you to each take two thousand troops. If you discover that General Luo is surrounded by the Turkic army, immediately exit the city to provide support; ensure General Luo returns safely!" Li Jiancheng ordered.
Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan promptly responded with their agreement and then left the command post to prepare.
Qin Shubao felt reassured by the prince's arrangements and found nothing amiss.
"Let’s go; we’ll watch the battle from the city wall," Li Jiancheng called out. The generals who were not heading out followed him toward the city wall.
Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing did not follow because they were not formal soldiers; they had no need to be present at such a time. Others assumed they were merely attendants of Li Jiancheng.
Upon reaching the city wall and looking out, what a sight it was! Outside the city, the banners of the Turkic Army fluttered in abundance, surrounding Heishui City in layers. One of the Turkic generals was already shouting insults. He was a towering figure with a fierce countenance that instilled fear in those who beheld him. Wielding a pair of large blades, he bellowed, “Listen, Tang soldiers! Open the city gates and surrender quickly. Otherwise, we will storm in and leave you with not a single survivor!”
Li Jiancheng was witnessing such a scene for the first time, and he couldn't help but feel a bit anxious and worried. The Turkic Army looked formidable! Their numbers were twice that of the Tang forces. If they were defeated, it would be disastrous! Had he known this would happen, he should have brought more of his Donglin Soldiers. It wasn't that his Donglin Soldiers were particularly strong; rather, it was the weapons he had equipped them with that were exceptional. His own troops wielded blades and guns made of Patterned Steel. In a one-on-one confrontation, his Donglin Soldiers would undoubtedly prevail against their opponents.
Unfortunately, he had only brought three hundred soldiers, which was far too few! However, recalling that historically the Turkic forces had been defeated by the Tang army eased Li Jiancheng's mind somewhat. Since the Tang army had triumphed even without Patterned Steel weapons, surely with them now, he could defeat the Turkic forces as well.
Just then, a drum sounded from within the city as a contingent charged out, led by Luo Cheng. Luo Cheng rushed to confront the Turkic general, his soldiers forming ranks behind him.
“Who dares to invade our Great Tang territory? Surrender at once!” Luo Cheng shouted at the Turkic leader.
The Turkic general chuckled mockingly. “Ha! I didn’t expect there to be any brave souls among you Tang soldiers to charge out with just a handful of men. I am Hua Bu Lin; I do not slay nameless ghosts. Quickly reveal your name!”
“Hua Bu Lin? I think you should be called ‘not clear-headed’ instead. You might want to brace yourself when I tell you my name. I am Luo Cheng—no change in my name or surname!” Luo Cheng replied.
Hua Bu Lin was taken aback and cautiously asked, “Luo Cheng? Are you not the same Luo Cheng known as one of the Seven Heroes of Sui and Tang?”
Luo Cheng smiled confidently. “That’s right! Since you know my prowess, why don’t you just dismount and surrender? Or take your men and roll back to your Turkic camp. If you do so, I won’t hold you accountable for invading our Great Tang territory.”
Though Hua Bu Lin felt intimidated inside, he couldn’t show weakness outwardly. He said, “General Luo, I respect you as a brave man and advise you: those who recognize the times are wise! The world is held by those with strength; there’s no rule stating this land must belong to your Great Tang. While you may be valiant individually, can you withstand my hundred thousand troops? It would be better for you to surrender than to meet an untimely death!”
Luo Cheng sneered. “You really don’t get it! Knowing my strength yet still trying to persuade me to surrender? Fine then; let’s see if my spear agrees with that notion.”
With that, Luo Cheng stopped wasting words on Hua Bu Lin and lunged at him with his spear.
Hua Bu Lin met him head-on with his dual blades as they engaged in fierce combat. After only a few exchanges, Hua Bu Lin was forced to retreat toward the Heishui River.
His soldiers scattered in all directions but remained organized as they moved away—some heading toward the river while others fanned out to either side.
Naturally, Luo Cheng would not let Hua Bu Lin escape easily; he pursued closely behind. The Tang soldiers followed suit, cutting down those Turkic soldiers who lagged behind.
However, upon reaching the riverbank, Luo Cheng's horse got stuck in the mud and could not move.
At that moment, Hua Bu Lin and his remaining soldiers halted their retreat and turned back to unleash a volley of arrows at Luo Cheng.
The valiant Luo Cheng was suddenly transformed into a porcupine from all the arrows shot at him.
With the death of the commander, the Tang army fell into chaos, and the soldiers scrambled to escape. However, the Turkic Army would not let them go easily; they quickly surrounded them, ready to wipe them out completely.
Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan sensed that the situation was dire and hurriedly led their troops out of the city. Soon, they too found themselves encircled by the Turkic Army.
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