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墨書 Inktalez
The dilapidated Temple had not been visited for a long time, with its walls cracked and worn by the passage of time. The sky was darkening, and the cold wind mixed with snowflakes arrived as expected. A small flame flickered in the main hall, trying to stand tall and provide warmth to the few people around, but it was constantly blown about by the wind.
Sun Thirteen settled the warhorse in the west wing, as it offered better protection from the wind compared to the east wing. This was the best spot available, at least there were a few beams overhead. He took out some soybeans from a cloth bag to feed his companions, his gaze filled with affection. Ever since arriving at Gao Ping with the main force, they had not rested on site, as subsequent communication tasks made everyone feel restless.
Due to heavy snowfall, many mountain paths were too treacherous for riding. They trudged slowly into the mountains and then ambled back out. After mounting their horses, they continued to walk slowly. This situation occurred so often that a mission that could have been completed in twenty days stretched to thirty-five days. And this was not even the worst part; what was frustrating was that after all this time, things were still not finished! How could one not feel annoyed?
Several times they slipped on the mountain paths, with sheer drops of hundreds of feet into snow-filled valleys below. If it weren't for the reliable warhorses, one would have surely fallen apart! Reflecting on these days of adventure, Thirteen stroked the horse's jaw, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Thank you, horses! You've worked hard!"
Wang Jian rubbed his nearly frozen hands while reaching toward the flame for warmth. Looking back at the snowy night sky, he asked, "What is Thirteen doing outside? Should I go check?"
Li Xin adjusted his thick scarf and waved his hand dismissively. He moved his jaw around to prevent it from freezing. "What does it matter? That kid is probably out there talking to his brothers! In his mind, we are worth less than those five horses!"
"Is that so?" Wang Jian found it curious but felt too cold to inquire further about strange happenings. He picked up a steaming bun from a branch set over the fire, tested its temperature with his hand, and handed it to everyone. Seeing Luzi not take it, he quickly explained, "I baked ten buns in total; I saved two for Thirteen. Just eat while roasting; there’s plenty."
Luzi nodded and took the small stove in his hands, instantly feeling warm all over. He hesitated to eat it right away and instead held it for warmth. Seeing Wang Jian poking at the flame with a stick reminded him of something that happened a few days ago.
In such frigid conditions, only Wang Jian seemed unfazed. As he put it, "What’s this? Just a drizzle! You should try going to the Northwest Grassland! After running a few steps, you’ll feel dizzy and weak all over. When it gets really cold, even spitting will freeze before it hits the ground."
Sun Thirteen chimed in playfully, asking what would happen if one got blocked up while needing to relieve themselves.
Wang Jian didn’t say much else; he simply waved the small stick in his hand. This gesture was self-explanatory and caused everyone to burst into laughter.
Luzi looked at the flickering flames and shook his head with a smile. Just as he was about to fill his stomach, he heard a series of hoofbeats outside the door. If he guessed correctly, it seemed that the contact person had arrived! He raised his head to look at the brothers surrounding him, signaling them to prepare. They were already close to Shangdang County, and they could not afford to be careless.
The newcomer was evidently cautious, standing outside the collapsed temple door without entering directly. The surroundings were shrouded in darkness, with only the firelight illuminating the inside of the temple. The secret signal had to be correct; otherwise, it could lead to a bloody conflict. Thus, they exchanged eight phrases of coded language to confirm their identities.
The newcomer stepped into the main hall and quickly assessed the four people standing there before confirming their identities. Those who had been in the underworld for years had sharp eyes. Approaching one of them, he bowed slightly and said, "Scoundrel Chang Yu pays respects to General Lu!"
Luzi hurried over to help Chang Yu up. "Brother Chang, there's no need for such formalities! It pains me to summon you in this weather, but military matters are urgent; I hope you can forgive me."
Chang Yu clasped his fists and replied, "I dare not!"
"Sit down and talk!" Luzi gestured for the brothers to gather around the fire and handed over two buns he had in his hands. "Haven't you eaten yet? Let's fill our stomachs first."
Chang Yu did not hold back and took the buns eagerly. He had received an urgent summons that morning, and seeing the three stripes marking it as extremely urgent prompted him to set off immediately. In his haste, he hadn't even brought any rations. He had been gnawing on snow along the way; it was no surprise that he was hungry.
Fortunately, the hot buns were still warm when he finished eating; in no time at all, he devoured all ten buns. After taking a big gulp from the water flask, he hesitated to drink more. Looking up, he noticed everyone staring at him in shock and realized that he had seemingly eaten all of their food.
Wang Jian didn't want anyone to feel awkward; while pulling out frozen buns from his bag, he explained that there were still more if anyone was still hungry.
Chang Yu nodded gratefully and then glanced at Brother Luzi.
Luzi smiled slightly. "We're all brothers here; there's no need for formality!"
"Understood!" Chang Yu lowered his head to gather his thoughts before sharing the military intelligence he had recently gathered with everyone. The current situation was not optimistic; it was like an arrow ready to be released. Since Wild King City surrendered, the Shangdang Region had been completely isolated. Prefect Feng Ting of Shangdang County had inexplicably refused King Han's orders. Upon learning that the Qin Army was increasing its troops, he too was hastening preparations for unforeseen circumstances.
How many people can a mere Prefect command? Who dares to stand against hundreds of thousands of the Qin Army!? It seems that the most undesirable outcome has indeed occurred! Luzi let out a sigh and looked up at the damaged roof. Feng Ting must be aware of our military strength; since he dares to be so arrogant, he must have his own plans. We can no longer rely on Korea, so we are left with the Wei Kingdom and Zhao. Regardless of whom we ally with, the Allied Forces are gradually taking shape.
"He's just a Prefect; how dare he defy orders!?"
Chang Yu hurriedly explained, "Reporting, General! It’s not entirely his fault; rather... it’s because of..."
Seeing him hesitate, Luzi immediately understood. "You mean the reason behind General Bai's massacre of the Defected Soldiers led to this outcome, right?"
Now that the words were out in the open, Chang Yu had no reason to hold back. He admitted, "There are refugees who fled from Gao Ping and Shaoqu. Upon arriving in the Shangdang Region, they spread tales that Bai Qi is a ruthless killer. Surrendering or not is meaningless because he kills regardless. Wherever he goes, not even a chicken or dog is left alive; not even a blade of grass remains."
Luzi nodded heavily, watching the flames without speaking further. There is a cause for every effect; slaughter can sometimes destroy the resolve of those defending a city, but at other times it can ignite their determination to fight for their survival alongside the city.
There are exceptions as well, where the defending general successfully rallies the people's spirits, establishing an active defense system. However, merciless slaughter can turn things counterproductive; those who survive may be compelled to join this defense system passively.
At this moment, Shangdang County finds itself caught between active and passive states, struggling to survive in the cracks. Consequently, this allows Feng Ting to easily establish this defense system successfully.
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