My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 324 These 100,000 people finally arrived!
Strangely enough, Li Zicheng had many women, some charming, some gentle, some alluring, each with their own unique style, and he doted on them all.

Even in this turbulent time, he still needs his concubines to serve him every night, seeking a moment of peace in their gentle embrace.

But fate always seems to play tricks on people; even so, Li Zicheng just couldn't have a son.

Li Zicheng also eagerly anticipated the arrival of a new life, hoping to have a biological son to inherit his mantle and continue his empire.

However, repeated disappointments gradually made him realize that he would probably never be able to have his own child in this lifetime.

Therefore, Li Zicheng had always been grooming Li Guo as his successor.

He took Li Guo on numerous campaigns, teaching him how to deploy troops and strategize.

He taught Li Guo military strategy, starting with the most basic military tactics, guiding him step by step to accumulate combat experience. He also had Li Guo personally participate in every battle, allowing him to experience the cruelty and passion of the battlefield.

However, this matter has never been brought to the forefront. After all, in this chaotic world, if the issue of succession were to be made public, it might trigger a lot of unnecessary disputes and suspicions.

Now that Li Zicheng has brought this matter into the open, Li Guo is naturally somewhat excited.

He followed Li Zicheng since he was a child and witnessed Li Zicheng's achievements step by step. He has always been full of admiration for Li Zicheng.

Now that he has learned that he has been officially recognized by Li Zicheng as his successor, the joy of being recognized surges in his heart like a tide.

But he couldn't show these emotions, because if he were too agitated, it would be too inhumane.

So Li Guo could only suppress his excitement and say in a slightly trembling voice:
"Uncle, rest assured, I know what to do. I will live up to your expectations, share your burdens, and contribute my strength to our great cause."

Li Zicheng nodded, a relieved smile appearing on his weathered face.

Then, smiling, he patted Li Guo on the shoulder and said:

"Alright, go and rest. You must be tired after working all night. Get some rest, we still have a long way to go."

Li Guo said nothing more. He respectfully bowed to Li Zicheng and then got up to take his leave.

But after Li Guo left, Li Zicheng suddenly seemed to have all his strength drained away, and he collapsed into his seat with a slumped expression.

At this moment, his eyes revealed a trace of weariness and helplessness, and he gazed wistfully into the distance through the tent.

For him, not having a son was the biggest regret of his life.

After all, he also wanted to destroy the Ming Dynasty in the future, establish a new country, become emperor, and pass the country on to his descendants.

He also imagined himself sitting on the dragon throne, wearing a dragon robe and a crown, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

Then, watching one's descendants pay homage in the imperial court, what a majestic thing that would be!

Unfortunately, this will never happen!

Because he can't have a son!

This means that even if he were to eventually destroy the Ming Dynasty, establish a new country, and become emperor, he would have to entrust everything to Li Guo!
Although Li Guo was someone he had watched grow up, and was loyal to him like a father, he was ultimately not his own flesh and blood!
Ugh!
Thinking of this, Li Zicheng sighed helplessly again.

The sigh, filled with endless sorrow, echoed in the empty camp, lingering for a long time.

Meanwhile, several miles away from Li Zicheng's camp, Liu Zongmin had already led a group of veteran soldiers to drive the wounded peasant army towards Tongguan.

The cold wind, carrying withered leaves and dust, roamed freely across the open plains, making a mournful sound, as if nature was weeping for the fate of these peasant soldiers.

Liu Zongmin's face was gloomy, and his eyes revealed a sense of helplessness and determination.

To be honest, he felt a pang of pity looking at the wounded peasant soldiers, but it was Li Zicheng's order, and he had no choice but to obey.

He then waved his hand, and a group of veteran soldiers surged out from behind him like wolves and tigers, beginning to drive away the wounded peasant soldiers.

These peasant soldiers were all wounded, and those with minor injuries staggered, each step seemingly exhausting all their strength.

The seriously injured were helped or carried by their companions. Some of their wounds were still bleeding, staining their thin clothes red. The bright red bloodstains were particularly glaring in the cold wind.

Their faces were gaunt, their eyes sunken, their skin an unhealthy sallow color, and their lips cracked, as if they might collapse at any moment.

However, most of them did not cry and refuse to leave; instead, their eyes sparkled with an indescribable excitement and relief.

They had endured too much suffering in this chaotic world, and now, upon hearing that they were to go to Tongguan to surrender to the imperial court, they seemed to see a glimmer of hope for survival.

"I heard we're going to surrender to the imperial court this time, is that true?"

A gaunt peasant soldier asked his equally thin companion in a hoarse voice, his eyes full of expectation.

"It should be true. After all, we've all been injured and become useless to the rebel king. Maybe surrendering to the imperial court will give us a chance to survive and get a full meal."

His companion responded, his voice trembling with emotion, yet also revealing a deep longing for the future.

From time to time, low murmurs could be heard from the crowd, all expressing longing for Tongguan and helplessness about the current situation.

They had been wandering in this chaotic world for too long and longed for a stable home.

Surrendering to the imperial court is now their best option!
Some uninjured peasant soldiers even went so far as to mutilate themselves in order to follow the main army to Tongguan and surrender to the imperial court.

They would cut their arms with knives or smash their ankles with stones, trying to cripple themselves in order to embark on the road to Tongguan.

But all of this was quickly noticed and stopped by Li Zicheng's veteran soldiers.

After killing about ten people, no one dared to do it anymore.

Within this force, there were some who did not actually want to surrender to the imperial court; these were Li Zicheng's veteran soldiers.

They knew they were guilty of grave sins, their hands stained with blood, and they had doubts about whether the court would accept them.

At that moment, several veteran soldiers, supporting each other, walked along the edge of the column.

One of them had a broken leg, and blood was still seeping from the wound. Every step he took made him wince in pain. The other two had broken arms, with their empty sleeves fluttering in the cold wind, and were blind, their faces filled with fear and confusion.

They walked side by side, talking in hushed tones.

Do you think the imperial court will accept people like us?

The soldier with the severed hand trembled, his eyes filled with fear.

His body trembled slightly, as if he were afraid of the fate that was about to befall him.

"Who knows? We're not just ordinary peasant soldiers. We've killed so many people following the rebel leader. The imperial court probably won't accept us so easily! Maybe when we get to Tongguan, we'll be beheaded."

The blind soldier sighed, his voice filled with despair.

"But where else can we go besides Tongguan? After all, even the rebel leader doesn't want us anymore! We are helpless and alone in this chaotic world. If we don't surrender to the court, we will only face death."

The soldier with the broken leg gave a bitter smile, his eyes filled with confusion.

Without exception, their faces were filled with helplessness and sorrow, like children abandoned by fate. Liu Zongmin followed behind the group, watching their backs, and felt a mix of emotions welling up inside him.

He had thought he would have to go to great lengths to drive these people away before they would be willing to go to Tongguan, but to his surprise, they moved forward so spontaneously that they didn't need to be driven away at all.

Some people even fell several times because they were walking too fast.

He sighed, thinking to himself, "It seems these people also know that their only way out is through Tongguan."

This also proves that Li Zicheng has lost the support of the people.

If possible, Liu Zongmin would also like to take this opportunity to surrender to the court. After all, the court could accept even a peasant army leader like Luo Rucai, let alone him.

He thought that if he surrendered to the imperial court, he might be able to get an official position and live a peaceful life.

But he knew it was impossible.

Because the veteran soldiers accompanying him this time were not his own personal guards, but veteran soldiers specially selected by Li Zicheng.

They were utterly loyal to Li Zicheng and would never betray him.

In other words, if he dares to have any disloyal thoughts, these people will kill him before he can even take any action.

Thinking of this, Liu Zongmin couldn't help but smile bitterly.

He felt like a bird tethered by Li Zicheng, completely losing his freedom and with no choice but to follow Li Zicheng down this dark path.

This also proves that Li Zicheng no longer trusts him.

He shook his head helplessly and could only continue to follow the team toward Tongguan.

And so, the procession of over 100,000 people began to move slowly forward in the cold wind, like a wounded dragon winding its way toward an unknown fate.

Their steps were heavy and slow, each step seeming to tread on the gears of fate, producing a dull sound.

Not long after, Tongguan.

"My lord! My lord! Wake up!"

Sun Chuanting, who was fast asleep, was suddenly awakened by a noisy noise.

The sound rang in his ears like thunder, instantly waking him from his sleep.

Sun Chuanting suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze still slightly hazy, but filled with vigilance and tension.

Although he didn't know what was happening outside, the noise made him feel uneasy.

He didn't know how long he had slept, only that his head was still very dizzy.

Just then, the sounds from outside rang out again.

"My lord, wake up! A large peasant army has suddenly appeared from the rebel camp and is heading towards Tongguan. There are probably as many as 100,000 of them!"

The voice was filled with anxiety and fear.

what?
Upon hearing this, Sun Chuanting instantly sobered up.

He knew that what Luo Rucai had said before had indeed happened.
The next second, without the slightest hesitation, Sun Chuanting got up, put on his shoes and coat, opened the door, and rushed out.

Meanwhile, Luo Rucai on the other side was also woken up and learned the same news.

Like Sun Chuanting, Luo Rucai also headed straight for the city wall.

His face was solemn, for he knew what the arrival of this army of 100,000 peasants meant.

As luck would have it, the two met right under the city wall, and a knowing look flashed in their eyes.

Meanwhile, the entire city of Tongguan was already on high alert.

The soldiers defending the city were all tense, gripping their weapons tightly, ready to fight at any moment.

Even all the guards in the city were mobilized. They quickly put on their armor, picked up their weapons, and rushed to their posts.

All sorts of firearms and cannons were loaded with ammunition, their dark muzzles pointed out of the city like the gaping maws of a ferocious beast.

There was no other way; the situation at hand left them no choice but to be cautious.

Because at this very moment, for some unknown reason, an army of about 100,000 people suddenly appeared from the direction of Li Zicheng's camp!
The densely packed crowd resembled a black ocean, creating an atmosphere of immense oppression and fear.

However, through the telescope, the generals quickly noticed that something was amiss.

These people all seemed to be injured; some were wrapped in rags, some were bleeding, and some even had missing arms or broken limbs. And without exception, none of them had any weapons.

They didn't even have the most basic siege equipment!

Even so, everyone was on high alert, as it was a matter of life and death, and they could not afford to be careless.

They kept a close eye on the peasant army outside the city, not daring to relax their vigilance in the slightest.

When Sun Chuanting and Luo Rucai arrived at the city wall, the 100,000 men were less than a mile away from Tongguan.

Even without binoculars, they could clearly see this astonishing scene.

At this moment, a dark mass of people appeared outside Tongguan City.

These people were mostly injured, some of them still bleeding, leaving bloody footprints as they walked, which were particularly conspicuous in the cold wind.

Even worse, some are missing an arm or a leg and need the help of their companions to walk.

Every step they took seemed so difficult, as if they were using up all their strength.

Moreover, these people were all emaciated, as if a gust of wind could blow them over. Their faces were full of exhaustion and hunger, and their eyes revealed despair for life.

Their clothes were very thin and patched, and they were all shivering from the cold.

At first glance, these people don't seem to be here to attack the city at all; they look more like beggars!
Perhaps that is why the commander on the city wall hesitated to give the order to attack.

Upon seeing Sun Chuanting arrive, the generals guarding the city wall hurriedly bowed to him, their faces showing a mixture of anxiety and helplessness.

"My lord, you've finally arrived! We need your advice on what to do about this situation!"

Sun Chuanting did not speak, but stood quietly on the city wall, looking at the scene outside the city with a deep and solemn gaze.

What was supposed to come finally came!

(End of this chapter)