As the morning sun cast its rays over Wild King City, the sound of war drums echoed from outside the city. Luzi climbed up to the South City Wall to see the soldiers standing ready on the battlements, feeling an indescribable mix of emotions. These were the few hundred defenders left in the city, and today marked their final moment!
Last night, scouts responsible for reconnaissance reported that the Wei Army's catapult units had advanced seventy meters. Their intentions were clear at this point. Upon receiving the news, Luzi promptly informed the catapult positions within the city to make adjustments, changing their long-range targets to the enemy's catapults outside the walls.
Unlike the artillery of the Wei Army, the Qin Army was not launching heavy objects like stones. Continuing from yesterday's battle situation, they planned to launch grease bags. It is well known that animal grease is much lighter than stones. During the launch process, it would inevitably float, affecting its range.
With collective efforts, grease bags with added weight could now ensure strikes on distant targets. Although adding weight reduced the amount of grease, its burning effect remained significant. This was already the best result achievable given the time constraints.
At this point, grandiose speeches seemed unnecessary. Those who feared death would have fled by now; who would still hold weapons and face an enemy many times their number?
Li Xin, holding a bow and arrow, glanced at Chang Yu, who was holding a shield. Noticing the heavy atmosphere, he quietly asked, "Hey! Do you have any regrets in life?"
Chang Yu looked back at the indifferent General Li and replied softly, "What do you think? Of course, I regret not marrying a beautiful wife!"
Hearing this response made Li Xin laugh out loud. "You really haven't matured! At a time like this, shouldn't you at least have some ambitions?"
Chang Yu looked at the army appearing in droves across the mountains and swallowed hard. "What good are ambitions? Can they fill your stomach? Walking through the door to see your wife waiting for you with a meal is a joy like no other!"
"Shut up!" Luzi, who was observing enemy movements, heard them bantering again and quietly reminded them to be mindful of their surroundings. "After we finish this battle, we'll take care of Chang Yu's marriage! There's no rush right now!"
Li Xin also noticed a large number of Wei Army troops approaching and sighed internally that he likely wouldn't live to see that day. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jade pendant to give to Chang Yu, stating seriously that it was his share of protection. When Chang Yu hesitated to take it, Li Xin reminded him that it was a family heirloom from the Li Family. He pressed it into Chang Yu's hands and whispered, "If you care about it, don’t forget to light incense for General Lu and me when that time comes!"
Based on Luzi's deductions, after suffering significant losses yesterday, the Wei Army would undoubtedly focus their attacks on the city this time. If not for this reason, they wouldn't dare to underestimate the few defenders left on the walls. As he saw the siege army drawing near, he drew his sword. "Prepare for battle! Archers ready!"
Beside Luzi, Fan Chenglong and Ji Xi had just heard Li Xin's question, both pondering the regrets of their lives. After walking for a while, they heard the battle command being issued and quickly focused, drawing their respective swords.
Outside the city, the siege troops halted once more, all eyes fixed on the Qin Army atop the City Wall. As a Great Banner surged forward, General Jin Bi revealed himself. Seeing someone so bold, Li Xin raised his bow, aiming to hit the rider.
Luzi raised a hand to stop Li Xin's action of shooting an arrow and then stood up, loudly calling out to the outside of the city, "General, are you well?"
Jin Bi reined in his warhorse and looked at Luzi behind the shields on the City Wall. "Thanks to General Lu, I am still in good health!"
Luzi smiled slightly. "I will repeat what I said before! No more idle chatter! Two conditions! Either you start fighting or withdraw your troops!"
Hearing the same words from the city above, Jin Bi laughed heartily. "The King of Qin has you! It is indeed his fortune! General Lu, please do not misunderstand! I have come this time not to discuss battle but to bid farewell to General Lu!"
Jin Bi's powerful words floated up to the South City Wall of Wild King City, clearly heard by the Qin Soldiers who were already prepared to die in battle. They thought they had misheard and looked at each other to confirm this answer. If one person misheard, that would be one thing; how could they all mishear!?
With a warm breeze blowing in, excitement spread across the City Wall. The Wei Army is retreating! The Wei Army is retreating! We have won! Long live!
Now that everything that needed to be said had been said, Jin Bi had no intention of staying to see who was happy and who was sorrowful. He waved his hand sharply, ordering the army to prepare to return home. The tense military formation simultaneously turned right and then marched forward in great strides toward Wei Kingdom.
Luzi sheathed his sword and saw the continuous formation of the Wei Army; he understood this was Jin Bi demonstrating his might. Shall we review them? Then let’s review them! With determination made, he ordered all soldiers to lower their shields. He commanded that each unit's military flags and insignias be raised and then lined up on the city wall.
Luzi was correct; Jin Bi indeed wanted the defenders of Wild King City to see his current military strength. This was a chance for you to save face; it was not because anyone was afraid that they chose not to fight!
Jin Bi looked up at the fluttering flags on the City Wall and couldn't help but sigh softly. Wei Wujie had been right; there were no so-called eight thousand troops in the Qin Garrison. The responsibility for this defeat of our Wei Army does not lie with the entire army but with the general! If only there had been no hesitation waiting for news from Shangdang, if only he had listened to Wei Wujie's reminder and attacked that night, Wild King City would have long been in our hands!
Luzi was confident enough to reveal his assets at this moment, so he didn't care who might suddenly backtrack. The Wei Kingdom's army would never withdraw for no reason; they had compelling reasons to leave! The truth behind the hidden matters has a time limit, and sooner or later, the Wei Kingdom would know the true number of troops stationed at Wild King City. Since that is the case, there is no harm in telling you now!
Lu Zi and Jin Bi did not leave with the army, and looking at the endless Army behind them was indeed astonishing. Knowing that the opponent had tens of thousands of troops yet feeling no pressure was one thing, but it was indeed a bit frightening at this moment!
After these days of contact, Jin Bi no longer dared to sneak a glance at the person standing on the City Wall. As for whether they were convinced or not, that was something earned through battle! Facts speak louder than words; at this moment, Wild King City was still in the hands of the Qin Army.
Military Strategy states that what is false can be made real.
The words spoken by Wei Wujie that night echoed in Jin Bi's ears, causing him to start doubting that Luzi would only have a handful of troops left. Reluctantly, he asked, “General Lu! Our two nations' confrontations end here; aren't you afraid to reveal all your hidden troops?!”
What troops do I have left now!? I have millions of soldiers in my heart! Lu Zichao, looking forward to Jin Bi, smiled slightly and clasped his hands in salute, saying, “General, take care!”
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