Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

The morning sun shines on the earth, giving people a warm feeling.

Outside Jiujiang Prefecture.

The artillery fire from Ximentang seems to be changing.

The fierce artillery attack turned into airburst bombs.

Once the airburst bomb is launched, it will detonate in the air above the city walls, and the contents inside will scatter in all directions.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
The first round of airburst bombs exploded in the air, scattering countless pieces of paper all around, followed by the second round of airburst bombs.

Since early morning, Ximentang had been shelling sporadically without increasing the intensity.

Therefore,
All the senior generals of the Jiujiang Prefecture garrison, like Tang Manjin and Hong Chaoge, went to take a nap and go back to sleep.

Many people see pieces of paper falling from the sky and don't know what's going on.

Of course, more importantly, nobody takes these things seriously.

One of the guards was stunned when he saw the piece of paper on the ground.

These soldiers of the Imperial Guard were all educated.

They were completely different from the local soldiers; at least they were literate.

Therefore,
When the Imperial Guards under Hong Chaoge saw these letters falling from the sky...

Wow——!
The area around the city wall of Jiujiang Prefecture was in an uproar.

Many soldiers began picking up the letters from the ground, and when they finished reading them, their eyes were filled with tears.

They had followed Hong Chaoge in their retreat from the capital to the Hanzhong region, but they found it difficult to adapt to life there.

This time, the soldiers stationed in Jiujiang Prefecture were all somewhat numb to war.

This is not the life they want, not the life they want.

For whom do we fight?!
The letters scattered in the sky posed profound questions to their souls.

After leaving the capital, they became rebels.

Hong Chaoge promised them that if they ever managed to retake the capital, he would definitely promote them to higher ranks and titles.

but,

Things unfolded in a way that far exceeded their expectations.

Xi Mentang not only firmly controlled the overall situation of the world, but also supported the new emperor's ascension to the throne and maintained the dignity of the royal family.

In this way, Ximen Tang firmly secured the moral high ground.

Many soldiers have felt lost during this period.

When they saw these letters, the windows to their hearts opened instantly.

yes--!
For whom do we fight?

It was an hour and a half later when Hong Chaoge and Tang Manjin learned about the message that had been sent from the sky.

I slept so soundly during my second nap.

Upon seeing the letter that had fallen on the city wall, Hong Chaoge panicked and her face changed drastically.

Just then, Tang Manjin arrived!

Tang Manjin did not wake up on his own; he was awakened by his personal guards.

Something terrible has happened!
Although the situation in Jiujiang Prefecture was quickly brought under control.

Most of the letters that fell from the sky were collected.

Unfortunately, most of the letters had already been widely circulated among the garrison in Jiujiang Prefecture.

Many soldiers who read the letter had their eyes light up, and seemed to be struggling internally.

They seemed to see hope, and to see the goal they were striving for.

Others who hadn't seen the letters but had overheard some of them all turned their attention to a large, collected package.

The morale of all the soldiers in Jiujiang Prefecture was thrown into chaos at this moment.

Things unfolded exactly as Chen Jie had predicted, without the slightest deviation.

have to say,

Although Huang Mingsun was fond of flattery and knew the ways of officialdom, he was still quite quick-witted.

It's approaching noon.

Ximentang did not continue the attack, and did not even fire any more cannonballs.

Chen Jie sat quietly in the military camp's council tent, waiting for the letter to ferment.

The easiest way to conquer Jiujiang Prefecture is to attack it from within.

this moment,
Chen Jie thought of the interior of Ximen Hall.

Due to its rapid development, Simon Church absorbed many new officers, none of whom had been trained in the Bible spiritual arts.

It seems that after returning to Shandong, we will need to hold a meeting with all officers of mid-level and above, including many officials appointed by Ximentang.

In particular, the Ximentang army must be united from top to bottom and must not be disintegrated from within.

Chen Jie could even surmise that some enemy spies must have infiltrated the ranks of officers under Ximentang's command.

Therefore,
It is necessary to perform a concentrated session of Bible spiritual exercises.

His mental strength is now far greater than before; he only needs to leave a mark deep within the hearts of all the officers.

Then,

If these officers harbor rebellious intentions, they can quickly sense hostility if they get within a hundred meters of each other.

Liu Qi walked in from outside, wanting to ask when the general offensive would be launched.

He was confident that he could break through the defenses of Jiujiang Prefecture in one fell swoop and storm into the city.

He didn't care how many innocent people died.

Soldiers are duty-bound to obey orders, and Liu Qi only obeys Chen Jie's orders.

As long as Chen Jie gives the order, he will spare no effort to complete the mission.

Chen Jie asked, "Liu Qi, what's the situation inside Jiujiang Prefecture?"

Liu Qi found a chair, sat down, and said with a smile:
"Brother, we know very little about Jiujiang Prefecture. The secret service has not yet infiltrated Jiujiang Prefecture."

"However, we have already sent some eloquent elites, unarmed, to infiltrate the city."

"Under their instigation, the people in Jiujiang Prefecture must have also become unruly."

Chen Jie nodded and said, "Very good. A single spark can start a prairie fire! As long as emotions are stirred up and the soldiers guarding the city are thrown into chaos..."

"Then once we launch a large-scale siege, with the help of both inside and outside forces, we will take Jiujiang Prefecture without shedding a drop of blood."

The sun was setting in the west, and dusk was approaching.

Inside Jiujiang Prefecture, Hong Chaoge and all his generals wore worried expressions.

The situation spiraled out of control, and morale among the troops plummeted.

Hong Chaoge's prestige among the remnants of the Imperial Guards plummeted, and the morale that had been built up before the war dissipated.

Originally, all the soldiers were eager to make a name for themselves and, with their courage, wanted to fight their way back to the capital with Hong Chaoge.

but,

That mental state has now been shattered by a series of highly emotional and inflammatory letters.

For whom do we fight?!
Almost every soldier was asking themselves, "Whom are we fighting for?"

Even military commanders were caught in a state of confusion.

Hong Chaoge looked around and snorted coldly:

"Everyone, let's discuss what to do next?"

The scene suddenly became quiet.

One of Hong Chaoge's trusted generals stood up and said:
"General, the letters are spreading everywhere, and the morale of the army is low. In chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary. This matter must be suppressed with thunderous force, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Anyone found spreading rumors will be killed as a warning to others. Those who spread falsehoods and mislead the public will be dealt with even more severely!"

"Only bloodshed can deter everyone!"

Another officer clearly objected, standing up and saying:
"Absolutely not! The letter has already been sent out, and almost all the soldiers have seen it."

"Should we kill all the soldiers? If we really go on a killing spree, it will surely backfire."

"Don't forget, everyone. The Ximentang army outside Jiujiang City is still eyeing us covetously and could invade at any time."

"If we fall into internal strife, Jiujiang Prefecture will collapse without a fight!"

The garrison in Jiujiang City quickly split into two factions.

One faction advocates for a ruthless crackdown, while the other advocates for a policy of appeasement.

Both sides had their own arguments, and the debate quickly escalated into a heated argument.

Tang Manjin sat to one side in silence, glancing at the two Kwantung Army commanders sitting next to him.

Although Oshima Yutaka and Oyama Iwao had retreated, 50,000 elite Kwantung Army troops remained stationed in Kyujiang Prefecture.

These Japanese were not under anyone's jurisdiction, but prior to this, the Japanese army and Hong Chaoge were allied.

With their two key commanders, Oyama Iwao and Oshima Yuutake, absent, no one can mobilize them.

but,

These two commanders of the Kwantung Army were willing to cooperate with Hong Chaoge to resist Ximentang's attack.

But there's no way they'll be used as cannon fodder.

"Report!" A guard ran in from outside to report.

Hong Chaoge took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "What happened?"

"Reporting to the General, a lieutenant instigated twenty-three of his soldiers to launch a rebellion. They tied up the captain and, taking advantage of the darkness, fled the city through a secret passage in Jiujiang Prefecture to surrender to Ximen Hall!"

"The patrolling soldiers discovered them, and captured all but five who escaped."

"Commander Yu requests instructions from the General: what should be done with these captured people?"

hiss--!
Upon hearing this news, everyone gasped and fell silent.

It seems things are getting more and more serious.

If a rebellion breaks out so quickly, and this trend isn't stopped, more and more people will surely start rebellions in the future.

Hong Chaoge was furious. He slammed his fist on the table and shouted:

"Chop them all up! Chop them all up!"

"How dare they rebel at this time? Are they courting death? In front of all the soldiers, behead them and display their heads."

"Furthermore, their heads will be hung on the city walls as a warning to others!"

The meeting ended quickly.

Commanders at all levels were busy dealing with military affairs, fearing that an even larger riot might break out again.

A moment later, only Tang Manjin and Hong Chaoge remained in the entire council hall.

this moment,
Both of them wore expressions of helplessness and bitterness.

"Chaoge, we need to prepare for our retreat. It seems we can't hold Jiujiang Prefecture!"

Tang Manjin sighed and hesitated for a moment before speaking.

The morale of the troops has collapsed!

If someone rebels so quickly, then in the future, more and more people will definitely take action.

If Ximentang launches a strong attack, with the help of both inside and outside forces, Jiujiang Prefecture will surely fall.

call--!
Hong Chaoge took a deep breath and sat heavily in the chair, feeling as if all her energy had been drained away.

He said, "We have no way out!"

When Hong Chaoge said those words, he felt an overwhelming bitterness in his heart.

After leaving the capital, he was like a stray dog.

He originally wanted to seek refuge with Li Chuang, the King of Shu, but Li Chuang did not treat him well.

In the end, they had no choice but to cooperate with the Japanese in an attempt to establish themselves in Jiujiang Prefecture.

but,

Unexpectedly, the Japanese only used him as cannon fodder.

Where to go after leaving Jiujiang Prefecture?

"There are nearly 20,000 elite former Imperial Guards who are absolutely loyal to you. When they left the capital, they cut off their own escape route and are willing to go through fire and water for you."

Tang Manjin took a deep breath and said, "Chaoge, take these 20,000 elite troops and evacuate Jiujiang Prefecture!"

Upon hearing this, Hong Chaoge shook his head, a bitter feeling welling up inside him.

"No! If I mobilize these 20,000 people to leave Jiujiang Prefecture, then the entire Jiujiang Prefecture will fall completely."

"Ximentang is eyeing the city from the outside, just waiting for this opportunity to take over Jiujiang Prefecture."

“Even if I wanted to leave, I absolutely couldn’t. Without the people of Jiujiang Prefecture as leverage, we are no match for Ximentang in the open.

"From the previous battle at Dashan Rock, we can see that this Ximentang army marches very fast, and we can't escape their pursuit."

Tang Manjin seemed to have made up his mind, a ferocious look appearing on his face, and said:

"Chaoge, you can leave without worry. With me holding off Ximentang's army, they won't be able to catch you."

Hong Chaoge was startled upon hearing this and said:

"Old Tang, what do you mean? Do you intend to stay and garrison Jiujiang Prefecture?"

"No! Staying here will only mean certain death. If we're going to leave, we'll leave together."

"I absolutely will not leave you here alone—!"

The two have been friends since childhood and have a deep bond.

He could tell what Tang Manjin was thinking from his tone, and he was immediately shocked.

Tang Manjin said with a serious expression:

"Chaoge, it is my honor to be your brother in this life!"

"Our Tang family is finished. What's the point of me living?"

"Being able to hold off Ximentang's pursuit for you is the last thing I, Tang Manjin, did for my brother, and I am filled with pride."

"The strength of Ximen Hall is too great; I cannot shake its foundation."

"However, if they want to take Jiujiang Prefecture without bloodshed, I will make them pay a heavy price."

After he finished speaking, his eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Seeing Tang Manjin's resolute expression, Hong Chaoge knew that no matter how much she tried to persuade him, she couldn't change his mind.

He suddenly smiled bitterly and said:
"Old Tang, perhaps we were wrong from the very beginning in Beijing!"

"At the time, I originally thought that Prince Ning, Li Mu's army could easily take the capital and he could rightfully become emperor."

"But unexpectedly, Ximen Tang launched a surprise attack, driving Prince Ning Li Mu's troops out of the capital and supporting the Crown Prince Li Heng to ascend the throne."

"One wrong step leads to another, and now we've been forced to Jiujiang Prefecture, like stray dogs."

“Prince Ning, Li Mu, dislikes us, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang, ostracizes us. There is no place for us in the entire Daqian Dynasty.”

"Run! Where do you expect me to run to?"

"Enough! Let's fight Ximentang to the death in Jiujiang Prefecture. Even if we die, we'll die together and be brothers again in the next life."

Tang Manjin shook his head and said seriously:
"No, Chaoge, you're wrong!"

"Precisely because you are not on the same side as Ximentang, I believe any feudal lord would be willing to accept you."

"As long as you have 20,000 elite Imperial Guards after breaking through, you will have a chance to rise again, no matter where you are."

"If you continue to stay in Jiujiang Prefecture, that will truly be a dead end."

"The current situation in the world is basically clear: the division of the Great Qian Dynasty has become inevitable."

"I won't even mention the Prince of Ning in the Northwest, the Prince of Shu in southern Sichuan, the Ninth Prince of Guangdong and Guangxi, Guan Yu of the Great Grasslands, Tibet, the Western Regions, and so on."

"With troops at your command, you can secure a place anywhere."
Hong Chaoge was taken aback upon hearing this.

He had never thought about it this way before, and for a moment he didn't know where to go.

On the contrary, Tang Manjin had a more thorough analysis of the situation.

"Old Tang, who do you think I should turn to?"

Hong Chaoge asked, clearly agreeing with Tang Manjin's statement.

"Li Hongyu, the Ninth Prince of Guangdong and Guangxi!"

Tang Manjin said without hesitation, "The army of Prince Ning, Li Mu, had already entered the capital, but unexpectedly, they were driven out by Ximen Tang, and more than half of their elite troops were wiped out."

"Although the Northwest Army is still large, it is clearly no longer a threat to Ximentang."

"Judging from the current situation of the Great Qian Dynasty, Prince Ning, Li Mu, is the weakest in terms of overall strength. Moreover, Li Mu is a very suspicious person. If we join him, at best we will only be able to prolong our lives."

"Li Zicheng, the King of Shu, has a great power and is supported by the Brotherhood, making him the most powerful force at present. However, it seems that he is too closely cooperating with the Japanese and will definitely not have a good end."

"Joining Li Zicheng will not lead to a good future. If you lead your troops there, you will only end up as cannon fodder."

"Li Hongyu, the Ninth Prince of Guangdong and Guangxi, was able to rival the Emperor and the Sixth Prince when he was in the capital. Unfortunately, he had no troops at his disposal and was eventually defeated and forced to leave."

"However, this person has very close ties with the major families, with the assistance of the major families of the Great Qian Dynasty, and the support of the Hongmen behind him."

"If anyone in the entire Great Qian Dynasty could rival Ximen Tang, it would be none other than the Ninth Prince, Li Hongyu."

"It would be the wisest choice to side with him."

Hong Chaoge nodded slightly and murmured to himself:
"Now that you mention it, Ninth Prince Li Hongyu might be a good candidate to serve."

"What he needs most right now is an army. With the addition of our Imperial Guard, he'll be like a tiger with wings—!" (End of Chapter)