With the arrival of the military inspection teams from the Yan, Qi, and Chu states, Lian Po indeed organized a counterattack. The target of the assault was not Wild King City as proposed by Zhao Kuo, but rather Lightwolf Fortress, which was currently occupied by the Qin Army. The outcome was predictable; arrows rained down from the city walls like a torrential downpour. By the end of the day, nearly two thousand troops had been lost without even breaching the enemy's walls.
As night approached, the advantages of long-range weapons gradually diminished. The Zhao Army, battered by the Qin Army's ranged attacks, finally caught a breath and launched a night assault on the city, managing to briefly occupy a section of the wall. However, this was short-lived; once the City Defense Force eliminated all Zhao soldiers who had climbed onto the walls, their only hope was extinguished.
When some areas outside the city were ignited by fire arrows shot from within, the deadly long-range weapons once again demonstrated their power. In the end, no one dared to appear in the light of the flames; those who did were instantly killed without question. Even the accompanying observation team did not escape unscathed. Several members were struck by Fleeting Arrows from the Qin Army, most suffering through-and-through injuries. Consequently, tales of Qin State's crossbows spread like wildfire.
As dawn broke on the horizon, the beleaguered Zhao Army received news that reinforcements from the Qin Army were on their way. Fearing further losses, they hastily packed up and retreated to Danhe Defense Line. Specific casualty figures post-battle were not disclosed, only that a general had fallen.
This news quickly reached the ears of monarchs from various Feudal States who were already considering their stance. Doubts began to arise regarding their ability to participate in an Allied Forces aimed at destroying Qin. They feared being dragged into conflict and suffering losses without any gain.
The ruler of Wei Kingdom, already allied with Zhao State, received this information and secretly ordered General Jin Bi, who was preparing to mobilize troops, to remain stationed. Any suggestion of sending warriors would be met with severe punishment! Wei Wang An knew that Xingling Jun's sister had married Plain King of Zhao State, so he instructed his men to keep an eye on Wei Wujie to prevent any trouble.
The Korean Lord, who initially intended to leverage Zhao Army's efforts for his own state's restoration, wasted no time in sending a letter to King Zhao of Qin. He firmly stated that this matter was between Qin State and Zhao State; since Shangdang belonged to Qin State, Korea would not involve itself.
Regardless of whether it was letters or news conveyed, King Zhao of Qin dismissed them with a laugh. They were merely opportunistic statements; how much credibility could they hold? Justice does not reside in people's hearts but depends solely on strength. If at this moment Qin State lost its main forces, these so-called declarations would mean nothing! They would not only tear up alliances but might even kick them while they were down.
In an era where propriety has collapsed and music has decayed, whose words are worth trusting? Only strength and interests dictate everything—nothing more!
Upon learning that Meng Wu was in charge of defending Lightwolf Fortress, King Zhao of Qin decided to set aside all prejudices and grant rewards directly. He promoted ordinary soldiers to Centurions and awarded them a fourth-grade nobility title without further duties. All Korean soldiers participating in the defense would be registered as citizens of Qin State and granted titles and rewards. The original general in charge of Lightwolf Fortress, Han Yongcheng, would retain his position within Qin Army while also receiving a title.
Concerned for Luzi's safety, Chuchu—who had now taken on the name Lu Chu—secretly arrived at the front lines. She seized an opportunity to send weapons and large siege engines under the pretense of inspecting their practicality.
After inquiring along her journey without finding Luzi's whereabouts, she finally learned from Commander Wang He that Luzi had sustained serious injuries. Considering the arduous travel and not daring to send him back immediately, he was currently recuperating in a distant city behind enemy lines. Once she confirmed his location in that city, she promptly arranged for her accompanying engineers to join forces for weapon repairs before hastily making her way there without taking a break.
Due to the need for confidentiality, the best doctor transferred from the Qin State only knew Luzi's superficial identity. The fact that the King Qin personally inquired about this matter made several veteran traditional Chinese medicine practitioners realize that this person was no ordinary individual. While they were concerned, they also did their utmost. However, no matter how skilled a person is, there are limits; being able to control the deterioration of the condition was already their best means.
Chuchu looked at Luzi, who lay unconscious on the hospital bed, and could hardly believe that this was the same person who had always been wise and cheerful. She had long warned herself not to cry again, but tears flowed uncontrollably. She cried inconsolably and stayed by Luzi's bedside for several days without leaving.
People often behave this way; when someone is around all day, you don't feel much, but once you truly understand the meaning of loss, even a thousand years seems too short. Every night, she would clean Luzi's body and massage him to prevent muscle atrophy, then sit at his bedside and tell him stories from her past.
In deep emotions, one feels lonely; it is only at this moment that she truly comprehended this.
When the engineering personnel arrived in the city after investigating and summarizing the frontline weapon usage, Chuchu finally realized it was time to say goodbye. That evening, she informed everyone that they would return to their homeland the next morning and then locked herself and Luzi in the room. If possible, she would sacrifice her own life to save Luzi's, but...
Yet parting was still difficult. As a night of self-talk welcomed the dawn, Chuchu suddenly found herself lost in confusion. Clearly burdened with national grievances and family hatred, she never wanted to add another concern to her heart in this lifetime. What... has happened to me...
Memories of her time with Luzi flooded her mind all at once, turning into tears that dripped onto Luzi's hand. Chuchu gently nestled against Luzi's chest and murmured, "If it's really possible, I don't want to be an Artificer anymore, and you shouldn't be a general either. Let's find a quiet place where we won't care about worldly noise... never... to part again!"
As her soft singing resonated from her heart, Luzi's eyelids twitched slightly for the first time.
However, Chuchu didn't see it as she lay in Luzi's embrace. Hearing a voice urging from outside the door brought her back to reality; she sat up at the bedside reluctantly. She took his cold hand and placed it against her cheek, gently rubbing it back and forth. She didn't know how long had passed when she suddenly heard a heavy sigh from within.
Standing up and gazing at Luzi's face once more before parting, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. No matter what happened, she had to live well; thus, she bid farewell to Luzi!
Taking a deep breath, she tightly grasped his once strong hand and felt its faint pulse. Finally steeling herself to turn away and leave, she discovered that her hand was being held.
"Are you awake?!" The doctor said it would only be possible if a deity were present!
Chuchu could no longer lift her foot, her heart suddenly filled with joy. She turned to look at the head of the bed, and her gaze met a pair of open eyes. In that moment, she finally understood that heaven had not taken away her only family member in this world, but had instead left her with infinite possibilities.
If life often leads one to blame the heavens for irretrievable losses, then it is at this very moment that one realizes that the heavens never abandon any life! This is the true meaning of a vibrant life, always filled with strength through perseverance!
As the flower of life bloomed beautifully once more, tears of happiness could no longer be controlled. Chuchu suddenly threw herself into Luzi's arms and began to cry uncontrollably...
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