Song Xiu

Chapter 116 The city fell in a day, all that was known was war
The Song army outside the city was eager to fight, while the rebel army inside the city was demoralized.

After Li Chongjin returned to the city, he entrusted the entire city's defense to Zhai Shouxun and several other trusted confidants.

After arranging this, Li Chongjin used the excuse of "recovering from his injuries" to stay in the general's mansion and rarely saw anyone.

Many people speculated that the crushing defeat at Chuzhou had caused Li Chongjin to lose his former vigor.

The commander-in-chief is the courage of the entire army.

Li Chongjin's evasive attitude directly caused the already low morale in the city to slide into the abyss once again.

Zhai Shouxun, who had been waiting in the city for his opportunity, realized that his chance had come.

When news spread throughout the city that the Song army would launch a major attack the next day, Zhai Shouxun, taking advantage of his position, summoned the generals who were defending the city.

Zhai Shouxun was in charge of guarding the west gate, which was precisely the main direction of the Song army's attack the next day.

Before the defending general, Zhai Shouxun no longer concealed anything and spoke frankly:

"Today I entered the mansion to pay my respects to the General."

I noticed that the general's eyes were lifeless, and his words conveyed a sense of self-abandonment.

The moment Zhai Shouxun said those words, the atmosphere in the room instantly plummeted to freezing point.

There had been similar speculations in the city before, but as long as the speculations were not confirmed, the officers in the city would still hold out some hope.

Everyone knows that Zhai Shouxun is Li Chongjin's confidant, so his words are credible.

"With a formidable enemy at our doorstep, the Black King has lost all fighting spirit. What should our army do?"

One of Li Chongjin's generals, who had followed him for many years, couldn't help but sigh.

Because Li Chongjin was dark-skinned and skilled in battle, many soldiers in the Zhou Dynasty army affectionately called him "Black King".

In the past, the mere mention of the Black King's name would have boosted morale on his side.

However, given the dire situation the Huainan army is currently facing, this cry of "Black King" carries a sense of lament, and even a hint of mockery.

The false king was no match for the true king.

After this general finished speaking, another general said:
"Yangzhou's defenses are in ruins. If the Song army attacks tomorrow, can we hold it?"

These words, like a sharp blade, severed the last glimmer of hope in everyone's hearts.

In defending a city, the key factors are the morale of the troops and the city's defenses.

With Yangzhou's defenses in disarray and the morale of its troops low, how could it possibly withstand the ferocious Song army?
Just when everyone was filled with despair because of these words, Zhai Shouxun spoke up:
“Once Yangzhou falls, we will all be rebels, and the King of Taiyuan will show no mercy.”

This statement stirred up fear in the crowd.

Taking this opportunity, Zhai Shouxun took the lead in proposing:
"If we don't want to die in vain, the only way is to open the city gates and welcome the royal army into the city before the Song army attacks."

Normally, Zhai Shouxun's words would have been enough to kill him.

However, tonight, after hearing these words, most of the people had a look of interest on their faces.

Emperor Song was always benevolent, and Prince Yan of Taiyuan had the same character as his father.

Zhai Shouxun's suggestion was indeed a good idea.

Some people in the room disagreed with the decision to surrender the city.

How can the opinions of a minority reverse the general trend?

The existence of some dissent will only add a few more souls to the city of Yangzhou.

The following morning, Li Hanqiong, who had won the bid to attack the city by "selling meat," was full of energy, holding a large knife.

Behind him were thousands of carefully selected soldiers who had been sent to the front lines.

Looking at Yangzhou City before him, Li Hanqiong's eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Li Hanqiong knew that he only had one chance. If he could not take the lead today, another valiant general would replace him tomorrow.

When the murderous intent in Li Hanqiong's eyes reached its peak, a series of heroic drumbeats resounded from the Song army camp behind him.

As the war drums sounded, Li Hanqiong led his thousands of soldiers toward Yangzhou City.

With extensive experience in siege warfare, Li Hanqiong charged forward while instinctively raising his shield to protect his vital organs.

Based on his experience, the rain of arrows from the city walls would soon fall.

To Li Hanqiong's surprise, he did not feel the impact of arrows hitting the shield on his arm.

This unusual situation aroused Li Hanqiong's suspicions.

With the moat in sight, Li Hanqiong suppressed his doubts and continued to charge forward, brandishing his sword.

Just as Li Hanqiong approached the moat, he heard a sound.

The sound made Li Hanqiong abruptly stop his charge.

Li Hanqiong immediately recognized the sound as the drawbridge being lowered inside the city.

The doubt in my heart had turned into astonishment.

The shock made Li Hanqiong put down his shield. Without the shield to block the view, Li Hanqiong's vision was completely exposed.

What then appeared before her eyes made Li Hanqiong's eyes widen like copper bells.

Not only is the drawbridge being lowered, but the city gates of Yangzhou have also been opened for some time.

Looking at the wide-open, undefended city gate, Li Hanqiong was so angry that he laughed.

Yesterday, he went to great lengths and persisted relentlessly to secure the first seat today.

Today he was full of ambition and high spirits, eager to use his long sword to achieve the victory of breaking through the city.

At this critical moment, the rebels actually surrendered?
There are still tens of thousands of rebel troops inside Yangzhou City. They should at least put up some resistance!

The suspension bridge made a loud bang the moment it touched the ground.

The loud noise jolted Li Hanqiong out of her resentment.

When her gaze refocused, Li Hanqiong saw Zhai Shouxun rushing over:
"Please, General, take me to see the Prince of Taiyuan immediately!"

Looking at Zhai Shouxun in front of him, Li Hanqiong's arm, gripping the knife, showed prominent veins:
The pioneering work was cut short halfway through!
Inside the command tent, Zhao Dexiu smiled and helped Zhai Shouxun, who had knelt down, to his feet.

"Our army was able to capture the city in one day, and you deserve great credit for that."

Zhao Dexiu knew that Zhai Shouxun had long ago pledged allegiance to Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Dexiu was not surprised that the rebels surrendered the city, but he had not expected that the surrender would happen so quickly.

It seems that Zhai Shouxun contributed a great deal to this matter.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's praise, Zhai Shouxun sincerely said:
"Without the great victory at Chuzhou, the matter of surrendering the city would not have been so easy."

Zhai Shouxun's words revealed his high regard for Zhao Dexiu.

Ignoring Zhai Shouxun's praise for the moment, Zhao Dexiu turned to Tian Chongjin and instructed him:

"Order the soldiers entering the city to capture Li Chongjin."

After Zhai Shouxun opened the west gate, Li Hanqiong led his troops into the city.

Despite her growing resentment, Li Hanqiong dared not act recklessly with Zhao Dexiu by her side.

After Li Hanqiong took control of the west gate of Yangzhou, more and more Song troops poured into the city, intending to control key locations throughout the city.

The morale of the troops inside the city had long been low, so the resistance the Song army would encounter after entering the city would not be too strong, and it was only a matter of time before they could take full control of Yangzhou.

However, if Li Chongjin is not captured, the campaign to quell the rebellion in Huainan will not have a perfect ending.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's order, Tian Chongjin solemnly accepted the command and left.

In response to Zhao Dexiu's concerns, Zhai Shouxun said:

"Li Chongjin's fighting spirit has been waned, and he has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol lately. He has no intention of escaping anymore."

As Li Chongjin's confidant, Zhai Shouxun's understanding of Li Chongjin far exceeded that of ordinary people.

Zhao Dexiu nodded at Zhai Shouxun's words, feeling slightly relieved.

Zhai Shouxun's prediction was correct.

About two hours later, Li Chongjin, bound hand and foot, was brought before Zhao Dexiu.

At this moment, the strong smell of alcohol on Li Chongjin's body had not yet dissipated.

After being escorted into the tent, Li Chongjin saw Zhao Dexiu sitting in the main seat.

The thought that this man's father had usurped the throne of the Great Zhou Dynasty filled Li Chongjin with surging hatred. Fueled by this hatred, Li Chongjin let out a sharp shout:

"A usurper!"

After shouting these words, Li Chongjin sprang up and lunged at Zhao Dexiu.

At this moment, Li Chongjin was like a fierce wolf.

Faced with Li Chongjin's death throes, Zhao Dexiu showed no fear whatsoever; his body did not even move slightly.

In his home arena, who can hurt him?

Just as Li Chongjin took a step forward, Huyan Zan, who was guarding Zhao Dexiu, kicked him forward.

Huyan Zan unleashed a powerful kick, sending Li Chongjin flying as he crashed heavily to the ground.

As soon as Li Chongjin's body hit the ground, the guards inside the tent pounced on him and pinned him to the ground, unable to move.

The power in Zhao Dexiu's hands was transforming into a mountain of control, rendering all of Li Chongjin's struggles futile.

Seeing that he could no longer harm Zhao Dexiu, Li Chongjin's eyes were bloodshot as he roared in Zhao Dexiu's direction.

Upon hearing Li Chongjin's roar, Zhao Dexiu stood up and walked towards him.

Zhao Dexiu could understand Li Chongjin's hatred for the Song Dynasty.

King Sejong died young, and King Jonghun was still a child. Yi Jungjin had been considered for the throne in the past.

If his father hadn't struck first, Li Chongjin might have had another chance to contend for the throne of the Great Zhou.

Perhaps in Li Chongjin's mind, the Zhao family had seized the throne that rightfully belonged to him.

Step by step, Zhao Dexiu, the victor, calmly walked up to Li Chongjin.

Seeing his enemy right in front of him, Li Chongjin became even more agitated.

"What is the truth about the Chenqiao Mutiny? Do you really think the world doesn't know?"

Morality resides in the hearts of the people!

Even if the mighty Yangtze River were to overflow, it could not wash away the name of your Zhao family's usurpation!

Zhao Dexiu's reputation for making the greatest contribution during the Chenqiao Mutiny was already known throughout the land.

In Li Chongjin's eyes, Zhao Dexiu was just like Li Shimin, who had persuaded Li Yuan to raise an army in Taiyuan.

No amount of pretense can conceal the rebellious intentions of the Li family.

Li Chongjin's words enraged Huyan Zan, who was standing nearby, and he was about to step forward and slap Li Chongjin across the face.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Dexiu stopped him.

Faced with Li Chongjin's roar, Zhao Dexiu was not worried, but rather found it somewhat ridiculous.

"The truth? Usurpation?"
Li Chongjin, you're supposed to be a hero of your region, yet your vision is so limited.

Li Chongjin was taken aback by Zhao Dexiu's words.

Li Chongjin thought his words would anger Zhao Dexiu, but they didn't.

"And let me ask you this: what world is this?"

The land was barren and desolate, with corpses of the starved lying everywhere. Fathers and sons ate each other, and husbands and wives devoured one another; the scene was too horrific to bear.

Wherever the army passed, only ruins remained!
A once-in-a-century period of chaos is right beneath my feet.

In these chaotic times, does the truth matter?

As for morality?
For displaced people, morality is no match for a bowl of thin porridge.

For soldiers who fight endlessly, morality is not as important as a victory.

What do people around the world yearn for?
It is the one sitting on the throne who can bring them peace!

At this point, Zhao Dexiu had already half-squatted in front of Li Chongjin.

"As for the charge of usurpation?"
Do you believe that I will revise history someday?

And won't!
In the future, history books will truthfully record this human world, which was like a purgatory.

In the future, history books will truthfully record my words and deeds with His Majesty.

The mighty Yangtze River has flowed eastward for thousands of years; who in history has been judged by its merits and demerits?
His merits and demerits will be judged by posterity.

My heart is set on giving this world a new lease on life.

When a golden age returns to the world, I firmly believe that future generations will give my father and me a fair evaluation!

After squatting down, Zhao Dexiu's every word seemed to be spoken right in Li Chongjin's ear.

Every sentence was clear, and every sentence was deafening!
Upon hearing those words, Li Chongjin's expression changed drastically.

The initial resentment and unwillingness vanished, leaving only shock.

The Zhao father and son actually harbored such thoughts?

After Zhao Dexiu stood up, he waved to his personal guards to take Li Chongjin away.

He only snapped out of his shock when Li Chongjin was being carried to the tent entrance.

Then a soft laugh came from Li Chongjin's mouth.

"What injustice is there in this defeat? What resentment is there in this defeat?"
"The world is rightfully yours, father and son's!"

Li Chongjin knew he was going to die; a dying man's words are often kind.

The impact of Zhao Dexiu's words brought a sense of relief to Li Chongjin before his death.

As Li Chongjin's laughter gradually faded in the tent, Zhao Dexiu, who had returned to his seat, noticed that the gazes of his subordinates were becoming increasingly ardent.

After a brief silence, Huyan Zan, who always spoke his mind, excitedly scratched his head and said:
"King of Taiyuan, please change this world, take us with you!"

Hu Yanzan's words immediately caused Zhao Dexiu to burst into laughter.

"it is good!"

The recapture of Yangzhou signifies a complete victory for the Song army in its campaign to quell the rebellion in Huainan.

However, the atmosphere among the generals in the Song army camp outside Yangzhou was not very lively.

The victory was certainly cause for celebration, but there were not many generals who made significant contributions in this battle.

This left many generals feeling that there was still more to be done.

How many times in a lifetime can one have the opportunity to follow a famous general?
I finally have the chance to fight alongside Zhao Dexiu.

If they don't seize this opportunity, they will definitely regret it later.

As this idea began to emerge in the minds of more and more generals, several pieces of news quietly circulated within the army.

“Wu Pingzhou Xingfeng disobeyed the order of the King of Taiyuan to mobilize troops.”

"I heard that Zhou Xingfeng once violated the rules by offering sacrifices to Heaven in the suburbs."

"It is said that Zhou Xingfeng once consulted a fortune teller who said he had the appearance of an emperor."

As more and more of Zhou Xingfeng's crimes spread throughout the army, the ambitions of some generals suddenly stirred:
After looking at the map, I realized that Wuping is not far from Huainan!

I have also heard that His Majesty has entrusted all matters concerning the south to the Prince of Taiyuan.

Li Hanqiong was the most representative of these generals.

The "defeat" at Yangzhou had already filled Li Hanqiong with resentment. Now that there was a disloyal person in the south, how could Li Hanqiong suppress his thoughts any longer?
Li Hanqiong didn't dare to approach Zhao Dexiu directly; he went to Tian Chongjin first.

After learning of Li Hanqiong's idea, Tian Chongjin looked hesitant:

Even if Zhou Xingfeng has committed crimes, it is hard to guarantee that he will not petition for peace.

I do not know the intentions of the Prince of Taiyuan.

Tian Chongjin's hesitation made Li Hanqiong very anxious.

To persuade Tian Chongjin, Li Hanqiong said solemnly:
"If the state is disloyal, as a military general, I only know war, not peace!"

　Starting tomorrow, I will write three chapters a day for three consecutive days.

　　There's still a gap in updates.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)