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Suddenly, the Chu Army's drums and horns sounded loudly, and the Standard Bearer fluttered in the wind. The cavalry on both flanks moved out first, while the soldiers in the center marched forward in an orderly manner, shouting "Kill" every three steps, advancing with a steady and powerful momentum. At the same time, a piercing horn echoed, shaking the Mountain Valley, as the cavalry on both sides charged forward, and the heavily armored infantry strode arrogantly and unimpeded, like a black tide sweeping across the ground.
San Chun crouched on the city wall, observing everything clearly. He couldn't help but think that the State of Chu had begun to use cavalry as well; Song Ren must have put considerable effort into military affairs. It seemed this battle would not be easy to win.
Peering down, he noticed that it was not the King of Chu leading the army, but a general in a red robe. He also did not see Yan Ping in the crowd; however, even if Yan Ping were here, his stature would have long been submerged in the throng.
The Chu General shouted, "Attack."
Immediately, long swords and curved blades clashed and danced, long spears and throwing weapons whistled through the air, and a dense rain of arrows fell like locusts covering the ground. The thunderous cries of battle and short roars made the mountains and rivers tremble!
Feng Cheng ordered the Yan Army to engage in battle. A loud and urgent horn sounded, and the troops from the Yan Army's camp began to mobilize, their vast black formation resembling a sprawling pine forest.
The two armies collided like a mountain crashing down, echoing like rolling thunder throughout the Mountain Valley, akin to raging waves crashing against the mountains.
These were two powerful iron armies of the Warring States period, both having glorious records of invincibility and filled with brave warriors willing to fight to the death.
Standing on the city wall and watching the battlefield below, everyone couldn't help but be shaken by the bloody combat. Iron men clashed without retreating; fierce faces bore bloodied swords amidst low howls and swirling dust. The entire plateau was enveloped in this brutal atmosphere of primal struggle.
San Chun felt his heart racing violently; his blood was boiling. This battle was crucial for building the city.
Just as both armies were locked in fierce combat, Feng Cheng suddenly ordered a retreat. Instantly, gongs sounded everywhere as the Yan Army began an orderly withdrawal.
From the start of the battle, Feng Cheng had issued orders that this fight should only last as long as it takes to burn an incense stick; once it was over, they would retreat without lingering.
It was like a mouse teasing a cat; when the cat became agitated and extended its claws, they would quickly run away. If they ran fast enough, they would be fine; if they ran slowly and got scratched by the cat's claws, it would be troublesome.
The Chu Army did not expect that the Yan Army would retreat so easily. Fearing it might be a trap, they ordered no pursuit. Meanwhile, the Yan Army successfully retreated into the city.
In fact, Feng Cheng had no special winning strategy; he originally did not want to engage in battle outside the city. However, if he did not fight this first battle, he feared it would dampen morale. He could only engage in a skirmish to make his presence felt.
After the Yan Army retreated, he ordered the city gates to be tightly closed, no matter how much they cursed, they would not be allowed to leave.
The Chu Army then realized they had been deceived; they had missed a great opportunity by not pressing their advantage and entering the city.
Today's battle ended inconclusively. Upon returning, Feng Cheng immediately summoned the generals to discuss strategies. The number of Chu Army soldiers was greater than expected, and since their cavalry had not yet engaged in battle, they already held the upper hand. It was impossible to drive them back. For now, they could only hope that the capital would send reinforcements soon.
However, it was concerning that Jicheng might still be unaware of what was happening here. Thinking of this made Feng Cheng anxious as he slammed the table and shouted, "How are we going to send out a distress signal?"
The generals looked at each other in confusion. King of Chu Song Ren was truly despicable for tearing up the truce and attacking the city. But no matter how much resentment they felt, it was useless; the enemy had arrived, and cursing wouldn't drive them away.
Feng Cheng sighed, "Regardless, we must get the message out; otherwise, the city's fall is imminent."
Vice Commander Chen Tong suggested, "Sir, why not send a team to escort a skilled warrior out of the city? They might break through the encirclement."
Feng Cheng thought for a moment and realized that this was indeed their only option. It was impossible for a large force to charge out, but this method could work. However, they couldn't place all their hopes on just one person.
He said, "Go find out how many skilled and clever warriors we have in the camp. Select four of them to leave from four different directions at the same time; as long as one can deliver the message, it will suffice."
It would take only two or three hours on horseback from here to Jicheng. As long as they could hold out for ten days, help would arrive.
"Understood," Chen Tong replied and turned to leave.
He thought about how easy this task seemed but wondered where he could find four skilled and clever individuals. Most importantly, they had to be absolutely loyal to the country.
The Yan Army had suffered a near-total defeat in their first battle, and morale in the camp was very low. After witnessing the formation of the Chu Army, many were discussing how long they could hold out against the siege.
San Chun sat in his tent listening to a few conversations and saw that these men were becoming increasingly despondent. He even began writing his will in preparation for when he might need it.
Some asked, "I can't write, who can write?"
She could no longer listen and couldn't help but say, "If you have time to chat, you might as well go outside and practice. You might have a better chance of surviving." Even if you wrote a will, when the city falls, very few will survive; who can deliver it back?
A few people glanced at her but lowered their heads, not daring to speak. From the moment she arrived, they had already been subdued by her presence.
They initially thought that the newly recruited soldiers would be easy to bully, but no one expected that although she wasn't physically strong, her skills were impressive. In just a few moves, she had knocked down five or six men. This made them all call her "Big Brother," and now when she told them to go practice outside, they obediently walked out.
Outside the tents, there was some chaos as well. Fear is contagious; when one person is scared, it can spread to three or four others. Soon, more people began to feel afraid, and if this continued, the morale of the army would surely falter. Spring Heart knew that if this went on for too long, they wouldn't even need to wait for Chu Person to breach the city; they would scare themselves to death first. The immediate plan must be to stabilize morale and boost spirits. Unfortunately, she was not a military leader; how to do this was not up to her.
Sighing, she began to think deeply about how to resolve the current situation. Perhaps she should seek out Young Master Rong; if she wanted to leave the city, having a merchant convoy's assistance would be best. These people traveled across various countries year-round and knew many people; they might find the quickest route.
Just as she stepped out of the tent, she saw a soldier approaching quickly, calling out loudly, "Which one is Chun? Vice Commander wants to see you."
San Chun replied, "That would be me."
"Follow me."
Following the soldier, she went to meet Chen Tong and felt somewhat puzzled about why Chen Tong wanted to see her. However, it was just as well; she had something to discuss with him too.
Upon entering the commander's room, there were already seven or eight people standing inside. She seemed to be the last one; as soon as she entered, she heard Chen Tong say, "Everyone is here now. This matter is urgent, so I will keep it brief."
His expression was serious. "You all know about the Chu Army surrounding the city. This is a critical time for our country. I have chosen you because you are among the best martial artists in the army; you have been selected solely for the purpose of sending a message outside to relieve the siege."
San Chun had anticipated that someone would be sent out through the encirclement to deliver a message; she just didn't expect it would be her. Looking around at those present, most were military leaders or at least centurions. She was the only one dressed in low-ranking soldier's attire.
Chen Tong assigned roles: a total of eight people would be divided into four pairs and sent out from different directions of the city using any means necessary—just as long as they could get the message out.
The person accompanying her was named Feng Liang, the nephew of Feng Cheng. He was in his twenties and had developed impressive martial skills.
When Feng Liang saw her, he disdainfully curled his lips, "Where did such an ugly thing come from?"
San Chun smiled but thought to herself, you're not exactly a sight for sore eyes either. Without hair, you look just like a monkey.
The eight of them each received silk cloths stamped with the Governor's seal and then went out to prepare.
Before midnight tonight, everyone had to rush out of the city. The direction assigned to her and Chen Liang was south, which was the farthest from Jicheng and also the most roundabout route. It seemed that Chen Tong regarded them as backups.
They agreed to wait at the military camp gate, and both went off to prepare. Seeing that there seemed to be time, she decided to visit Young Master Rong.
She rode her horse to Young Master Rong's residence. He seemed to have anticipated her return and had already prepared tea and snacks in the living room.
Although the servants announced her arrival, when Young Master Rong saw this incredibly ugly person walk in, he still showed a look of astonishment. It took him quite a while to adjust to the visual effect caused by her face. He sighed, "How did you end up with such a face?"
San Chun smiled and casually gestured, "It's just how I made it."
It was practically meaningless. Young Master Rong didn't seem to mind much and simply smiled, "What brings you here?"
San Chun blinked, "Don't you already know?"
Young Master Rong chuckled, "You're definitely the first person I've seen who is so brazen when asking for something. Just right, I have something prepared for you—it's just a temporary loan; remember to return it after using it."
He lightly clapped his hands, and someone brought over a wooden box.
San Chun's eyes widened in curiosity. He wasn't the type to ask for things back unless it was something valuable.
Young Master Rong opened the box and shook out a black vest from inside, smiling as he said, "This is a family heirloom that can block blades; it might be useful to you."
It wasn't just possibly useful; it was extremely useful, San Chun thought to herself, feeling fortunate that she had come here.
She happily held the vest in her hands and asked him, "How did you know we would break out today?"
Young Master Rong smiled, " Feng Cheng is not a fool; he should also know that the city can't hold out for long. If we don't break out tonight, it might be too late. If I were him, I would have someone feign a breakout and then send trusted individuals to slip out amidst the chaos for a chance at survival."
San Chun nodded; Feng Cheng was indeed thinking this way. All four city gates would attempt to break out, protecting them as they rushed out.
She said, "I was just about to ask you how we can fight our way out."
"Which gate are you leaving from?"
"South Gate."
Young Master Rong immediately spread out a map, examined the terrain, and began explaining the best route to take when exiting through the South Gate.
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