My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 262 I will never live a life of dishonor!

Boom boom boom!
The deafening sound of the war drums seemed to strike the hearts of everyone on the city wall with each beat, creating a terrifying sense of oppression that made it feel as if they were being strangled and unable to breathe.

Even the most valiant and oldest Xuanjia soldiers were stunned when they saw the overwhelming enemy force, which resembled a locust swarm, and a look of confusion appeared in their eyes.

This is a far more terrifying situation than when Gao Yuchong and the Gaoche people fought back then.

Back then, the Gaoche people only dared to claim an army of a few hundred thousand, but now the Southern Liang allied forces outside Dongyang City claim to have a force of three hundred thousand, twice the size of the Gaoche people back then.

This time.

However, without King Anagui of the Rouran leading tens of thousands of men to act as live targets in front, drawing enemy fire and creating a battlefield opportunity for the Xuanjia Army to launch a surprise attack from the flanks.

"Hahahaha!"

A burst of hearty laughter seemed so out of place amidst the deafening drumbeats and the clamor of the enemy ranks, drawing everyone's attention. They discovered that it was Gao Yu laughing loudly.

Mulan understood immediately and quickly asked, "What makes the general so happy?"

Gao Yu smiled and pointed towards the Southern Liang army formation, "I laugh at the Southern Liang allied forces, who are clearly a rabble, yet dare to call themselves elite. I laugh at the god-given opportunity that others might never encounter in their entire lives, which has now been presented to us. Gentlemen! The day is the day to establish a glorious military achievement worthy of being recorded in history!"

Mulan pressed further, "What do you mean? I am foolish and would appreciate it if you, General, could explain."

Mulan was the most considerate. Standing beside Gao Yu were Gao Ang, Peng Le, and others, but these sharp-minded warriors didn't know how to cooperate with him to re-energize the soldiers' morale.

If you ask Gao Yuan yourself.

Gao Ang will most likely only say that it's a bunch of rabble, and that he could break the formation if given a thousand elite soldiers, which will not achieve the effect that Gao Yu wants.

Gao Yu pointed to the enemy's formation and said, "Look, the vanguard of the Southern Liang army is clearly separated from the central army. Such a troop deployment is enough to show that the enemy commander is an incompetent fool."

"The Southern Liang army has been fighting since Xuzhou, and has never seen our elite troops along the way. Today, they have come to attack the city. They are clearly in a dangerous situation, yet their army is noisy and their discipline is poor. They are approaching the city and forming battle formations. This is clearly a contempt for us. How can a bunch of rabble who have never fought a tough battle but are arrogant not be defeated?"

"If our troops remain in their armor and do not venture out, their morale will surely be exhausted. After they have been in battle for a long time, their soldiers will surely be hungry and their momentum will naturally retreat. At that time, we will lead our troops out of the city to pursue and kill them, and we will surely achieve a great victory!"

"I pledge to you all that we will surely defeat the enemy after noon!"

"Our army has won a resounding victory in this battle!!"

Gao Yu was full of momentum, his voice booming, and he raised his right fist above his head and shouted loudly.

The absolute confidence he exuded inspired the soldiers on the city wall. Gao Yu was their god, and they were certain that he could lead them to a great victory over the enemy and uphold the invincible myth of the Xuanjia Army.

The soldiers joined in the shout.

"Wan Sheng! Wan Sheng!"

More and more people joined in the shouting. Even the soldiers and auxiliary soldiers patrolling and carrying supplies under the city walls stopped what they were doing and shouted in unison!

"Wan Sheng! Wan Sheng!"

The sound was deafening; even the Southern Liang army, arrayed outside the city, could hear it clearly.

Chen Qingzhi and Lan Qin exchanged a glance, and Chen Qingzhi couldn't help but sigh, "With such a large army pressing in, he can still inspire his soldiers to fight to the death. General Gao Yu is truly a peerless general of our time. I really want to meet such a hero."

"But a pearl is cast before swine, each serving its own master; what can be done?"

"What should we do now? Should we attack the city immediately?"

Chen Qingzhi shook his head. "The enemy's morale is high, and they have a fortified city. If we launch a strong attack now, they will definitely fight to the death, which is unwise. Moreover, our siege equipment has not yet been brought up. Let's observe for a while and wait for their morale to dissipate before attacking the city."

"Pass on my military order: remain in place and await further instructions."

"General Lan, please stay here. I will personally return to the central army to see the King and explain the truth."

Chen Qingzhi tightened the reins, turned his horse around, and hurriedly rode towards the central army.

But when he arrived at the central army, he discovered...

Under the blazing sun, Yuan Hao, unwilling to bask in the heat, ordered the auxiliary soldiers, who were supposed to be transporting siege equipment, to set up tents for him.

Upon seeing Chen Qingqian arrive, Yuan Hao instead put on a stern face and questioned him, "General Wuwei is not leading the vanguard to attack the city. Is he afraid?"

"Your Majesty, we lack siege equipment. Are you suggesting we send our soldiers to their deaths?"

Chen Qingzhi retorted sharply, "The King actually ordered people to waste time setting up camp here."

"War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, a road to survival or ruin. How can it be treated so lightly?"

"I am also well-versed in 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, and I do not need the general to teach me. What the general should be thinking about now is how to break through the city!"

Yuan Hao looked at him coldly, "I would like to ask the general to return to the front line. I will have someone send the siege equipment over."

Chen Qingzhi glared angrily. He wanted to storm off, but he had no way out now.

He had no choice but to leave in a huff.

"Once your white-robed army is wiped out, let's see if you still have the nerve to be so disrespectful to me."

………………

On top of the city wall.

Gao Yu was also issuing military orders.

"Bring me all the vests that have been sent for repair. Bring me as many as you can."

"Order the soldiers of the Xuanjia Army to assemble at the Dongyang Gate, bring me the best wine and meat, and have someone quickly feed the warhorses the finest feed."

One military order after another was passed down.

Gao Yu left himself no way out. He rebuilt the soldiers' confidence and boosted their morale, but this was just a pre-battle pep talk, and the effect was limited in time. He had to lead his men out of the city to meet the enemy.

Finally, Gao Yu sent someone to the palace to inform Yuan Ziyou that he was going to lead his troops out of the city to meet the enemy.

The soldier who came to deliver the message on behalf of Gao Yu was led by the Imperial Guards to the outside of the Taiji Hall after entering the palace, only to find that the dukes, ministers and officials were all inside.

After Yuan Ziyou received the news.

He rose from his throne and walked down the steps to the ministers and officials.

“These days, I have been thinking about why my Great Wei has fallen to such a state, with the enemy’s army pointing directly at the gates of Luoyang. Just a hundred years ago, my Great Wei’s elite Xianbei warriors swept across the northern border, unified the Central Plains, and were invincible.”

"After much thought, I have come to realize that everyone from me down has been living in comfort in Luoyang for too long and has forgotten how our ancestors seized the empire on horseback."

Yuan Ziyou looked around and pointed to the east. "Now, the Southern Liang army is outside Luoyang and could attack at any time. The soldiers defending the city are fighting bravely and selflessly on the city walls to protect Luoyang."

"The General of Chariots and Cavalry even wrote a letter saying that he wanted to lead his troops out of the city to meet the enemy and relieve the siege of Luoyang."

"How can we sit here in the palace and watch them fight to the death with the enemy?"

"I will never live a life of dishonor within the palace!"

"Guards! Bring up the armor gifted by the General of Chariots and Cavalry!"

Mu Shao, Yang Chun, Erzhu Yanbo, and others were greatly surprised, as it was clear that Yuan Ziyou had already made preparations.

The Imperial Guards took the armor that Yuan Ziyou had asked Gao Yu for.

Yuan Ziyou personally removed his imperial robes and said, "Put on my armor!"

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, you mustn't!" "Your Majesty! You are of noble birth; how can you risk your life?"

"Step back! Do you all want to be sinners?!"

The officials and nobles were shocked and hurriedly tried to dissuade him, but Yuan Ziyou glared at them and coldly shouted, "Guards! Anyone who dares to try to stop us again will be dealt with according to military law!"

The entire Taiji Hall fell into complete silence in an instant!

All that could be heard was the sound of metal clashing.

Yuan Ziyou was about the same height as Gao Yu. He thought that wearing a layer of armor was nothing special. After all, Gao Yu looked very relaxed when he wore armor. He was about the same size as Gao Yu, so what was so difficult about it?
Can……

When the armor was actually put on, Yuan Ziyou felt suffocated and his chest felt tight.

He looked down at himself and then understood why Gao Yu and his soldiers were known as brave and capable of defeating ten thousand enemies on the battlefield.

The single layer of armor was already making it hard for him to breathe; Gao Yu always wore three layers of heavy armor when he went into battle.

Forcing himself not to show any abnormality, Yuan Ziyou had someone bring his Emperor's Sword and suddenly drew it out.

"Our soldiers are about to leave the city to fight the enemy. We will not live in dishonor. Gentlemen, follow me to the city wall and lend a helping hand to the General of Chariots and Cavalry."

Yuan Ziyou looked at everyone with a cold gaze, the Emperor's Sword in his hand gleaming with a chilling light.

this moment.

Everyone inside the Taiji Hall realized that they had underestimated Yuan Ziyou.

"They all swore to be loyal to me and to the Great Wei, yet when the enemy's army is pressing in, they all lose their courage? Is this the courage of the officials and nobles of my Great Wei?!"

"Go! Anyone who flinchs will be dismissed from their post and stripped of their title on the spot!"

Yuan Ziyou led the officials out of the Taiji Hall almost under duress, and then headed towards the Dongyang Gate.

Gao Yu remained on the city wall to observe the enemy's situation.

The enemy army remained stationary for some reason, and no one knew what they were up to.

But Gao Yu knew very well...

This is in my best interest.

The midday sun overhead was no joke; the previous days of torrential rain had left the sky above Luoyang cloudless, with the scorching sun shining directly down.

From afar, even elite soldiers like those in the White Robe Army could not help but sit down on the spot, drinking water to quench their thirst, and even putting their weapons aside.

The enemy's morale has plummeted to rock bottom!
Gao Yu arrived at the foot of the city wall and had someone summon Mulan.

"Mulan! In a moment, you will lead five hundred men out of the city and run southeast. If the enemy's formation does not move, then lead your soldiers back. If the enemy's formation loosens, then attack directly to the east!"

"Here!"

Mulan cupped her hands in greeting, then turned to muster her troops.

Gao Yu then summoned the remaining three thousand Xuanjia soldiers, along with Gao Ang, Peng Le, She Digan, Da Xiwu, and others, and prepared to conduct a final mobilization.

"My lads! The opportunity to make a name for yourselves is right before you!"

"I am willing to work with my comrades to achieve unparalleled feats and leave my name in history!"

"I swear to the heavens that I, Gao Yu, will always be at the forefront of the charge. If I fall, you shall not cease your fighting spirit, but continue to fight bravely over my corpse!"

"If we win this battle, I will not keep this glory to myself. I will let the world know the might of my Xuanjia Army!"

"My lads, you have won this battle!"

"Wan Sheng! Wan Sheng!"

The soldiers roared and shouted, their faces flushed red, their eyes filled with determination.

Its momentum was earth-shattering!
Yuan Ziyou and all the officials and ministers heard the soldiers' roars!

Yuan Ziyou was equally excited and thrilled. Pointing into the distance, he said, "The soldiers are filled with fighting spirit, how can we be afraid! Let's go! Follow me to see them off!"

The emperor and his officials walked over, attracting everyone's attention.

Gao Yu was extremely surprised. He didn't even recognize that the person walking at the front in armor was Yuan Ziyou!

Don't even mention Gao Yu.

Gao Ang and his men, along with the soldiers, were all astonished; this was the first time they had ever seen the emperor in armor!

Gao Ang even muttered to himself, "No wonder my brother often says that the current emperor is the man ordained by Heaven. His courage and boldness are far beyond that of ordinary people."

No one refuted this.

The courage Yuan Ziyou displayed had indeed won the hearts of these warriors, especially the Imperial Guards standing beside him, whose fervor was no less than that of the Xuanjia Army soldiers.

They were all eager to serve Yuan Ziyou to the death!
"General, please pay homage to Your Majesty!"

Gao Yu led the way in bowing, and the soldiers followed suit.

"Please get up quickly."

Yuan Ziyou quickly stepped forward to help Gao Yu and the soldiers who had gotten up.

Looking at the crowd, he said with emotion, "If anyone should bow, it should be me bowing to the soldiers. It is because of their bravery in fighting the enemy that I can rest easy in Luoyang."

"However, with the enemy's army pressing in, neither I nor my officials and ministers wish to live a life of ignominy within the palace!"

"Though I lack the courage to fight on the battlefield, I hereby swear that I will stand atop the city walls to beat the drums and cheer on my soldiers. I will personally witness you all fight the enemy and remember your heroic deeds. If we can repel the enemy in this battle, I will reward you handsomely and will not fail you. If, however, fate is not on our side and we are unfortunately defeated..."

Yuan Ziyou paused for a moment, then suddenly drew the Emperor's Sword from his waist.

"I will not live on in disgrace. I will use the sword in my hand to end my own life and go to the Yellow Springs with you all!"

"Guards! Bring me some wine!!"

Yuan Ziyou ordered some fine wine to be brought over, and then promptly drank the wine in his hand in one gulp. "I will personally wait for you all to return victorious right here at Dongyang Gate. When you return victorious, I will drink a celebratory wine with you all!"

Gao Yu seized the opportunity and immediately took the lead in shouting!
"Your Majesty is mighty; victory in this battle is assured!"

"Your Majesty is mighty; victory in this battle is assured!"

"Your Majesty is divinely mighty; victory is assured in the next battle!"

Its momentum was earth-shattering!
The morale of everyone in the Xuanjia Army has reached its peak!

Even Gao Yu!

My whole body became uncontrollably hot and excited.

This battle!

He will win!

(End of this chapter)