The Blood Crown - Chapter 79

The water supply in the city had been exhausted in just a few days, with cries of discontent among the populace and wavering morale among the soldiers. The rebel forces, despite not launching a second assault on the city, had begun to collapse from within.

Although Feng Ye had temporarily controlled the Yueyang generals by force, this was not a sustainable solution. They were now like fish out of water, experiencing each day as if it were a year.

Despite the rebels repeatedly proposing surrender from outside the city, with no response from within, their own time was running out. They had no choice but to launch another attack on the city.

By this time, most of the soldiers within Yueyang had gone without water for two or three days, surviving on meager rations of vegetables and fruits. Their strength was depleted, making them ill-equipped for battle.

As the rebel army approached and began their assault on the city, arrows flew from the city walls, but the defenders lacked the vigor they had shown in previous days.

The rebel onslaught intensified, and while they managed to hold out, their physical and moral strength was greatly diminished.

When a young officer once again proposed surrender, Feng Ye swiftly executed him, standing fearlessly on the city wall under the protection of his soldiers’ shields. Yan Sikong watched him, seeing echoes of Yuan Mao, who had never flinched even when struck by arrows, but he knew that Guangning was different from Yueyang, and the rebel forces were different from the Mongols. At least tens of thousands of civilians in the city had nothing to worry about. He had already calculated how to surrender.

Yueyang was on the brink of collapse, its defenses crumbling. The rebel forces surged like locusts, about to engulf them, leaving only a pile of white bones.

Yan Sikong crawled up to Feng Ye, clutching his arm and whispering in his ear, “Feng Ye, we can’t hold on any longer. Surrender.”

Feng Ye gritted his teeth, his face full of unwillingness. “I’ve never surrendered in my life.”

“You’ve only lived for nineteen years. There’s no general who only knows victory and never defeat. Surrender now. Holding out any longer will only result in more casualties.”

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong, then at the soldiers behind him . “If we surrender, will Chen Huan spare our lives?”

“You’re the Prince of Jingyuan; he wouldn’t dare to kill you.”

“And what about you?”

Yan Sikong stared into Feng Ye’s eyes. “Don’t worry. My life won’t end here.” That bastard Ge Zhong was waiting for him not far away in Jingzhou. He absolutely, absolutely wouldn’t die here.

Feng Ye’s face turned pale. “I won’t let him…”

Suddenly, a sharp and prolonged sound of trumpet resounded in their ears, freezing them both in place.

“Prince, the Liang army is retreating!” a soldier shouted beside them.

They both turned abruptly, seeing the rebel forces beginning to withdraw like the tide. They exchanged glances, instantly ecstatic. “General Zhao, it must be General Zhao!”

The soldiers on the city wall were initially skeptical but quickly began to shout frantically. What could be more exciting than a sudden reversal of fate?

Feng Ye shouted, “Xue Lang, take three thousand men and pursue them out of the city. Wang Moxiu, take two thousand men and immediately recapture the water source.”

“Yes!”

With the rebel army hastily retreating, it was the perfect opportunity to exploit their complacency, in tandem with General Zhao’s actions, and crush them mercilessly!

They soon received the news: Zhao Fuyi and Di Rong had finally captured Jingzhou. They immediately mobilized from Jingzhou, launched a surprise attack on Chen Huan’s main camp, and were now engaged in battle with him at Changmengyuan.

Chen Huan’s rear supply route was cut off, so he could only retreat southward. It’s very likely that he will retreat to the water, as Dongting Lake is still under his control.

That day was a day of fierce battles, a day of watching fate, a day of survival against all odds, a day whose length seemed to be etched in everyone’s hearts for a long time.

It wasn’t until evening that Feng Ye and Yan Sikong finally saw Zhao Fuyi.

As they expected, Chen Huan was defeated and retreated to the water. He was now reorganizing his navy, preparing to head south directly. He had already plundered enough warships and sailors. Although the threat to Jingzhou and Yueyang had been eliminated, the danger to Jiangnan still remained.

Zhao Fuyi and Di Rong were also not adept at naval warfare, so they could only support the commanders of the two lakes’ navies. Fortunately, they had already inflicted considerable casualties on Prince Liang’s forces on land.

Feng Ye inquired about the situation on Dongting Lake. Zhao Fuyi said they would choose a date for battle, and he would lead his troops to flank Prince Liang’s army.

Feng Ye volunteered for the battle, but before Zhao Fuyi could agree, Yan Sikong asked, “General Zhao, who is stationed in Jingzhou at this time?”

“Lord Liang is leading three thousand soldiers to defend Jingzhou?”

“I think Jingzhou is still not very stable at this time. After all, Prince Liang has been in Jingzhou for over twenty years, with a deep foundation and many supporters. General, are you sure about leaving Lord Liang alone to defend the city?”

Zhao Fuyi said, “I am also concerned, but we lack troops and horses. Feng Ye, your soldiers are mostly injured. It’s not suitable for you to fight. You and Lord Yan will go to Jingzhou to defend the city.”

Feng Ye hesitated for a moment. “I’ll obey the orders.”

Yan Sikong secretly clenched his fist. Although his face was calm, his heart was already churning.

Eleven years had passed, and he was finally going to see that person again. He had set up such a big trap, even instigating the rebellion of the feudal princes and almost losing his life, just to be able to take revenge himself!

The next day, Feng Ye and Yan Sikong set off for Jingzhou. They traveled by water, against the current, but it was faster than traveling by land. They returned to Jingzhou in three days.

Looking at Jingzhou from afar, Yan Sikong stood at the bow of the boat and sighed, “The ‘Longzhong Dialogue’ says that Jingzhou ‘occupies the north, south, and east, connecting Han and Mian rivers, maximizing the benefits of the South Sea.’ Since ancient times, it has been a battleground that strategists must contend for. It is the ‘advantageous position’ in the combination of time, place, and people. If it weren’t for Prince Liang’s weak position, occupying Jingzhou, it would definitely become a great danger.”

Feng Ye said, “In the past, Cao Mengde took Jingzhou without stabilizing it and rashly marched to Dongwu, leading to a disastrous defeat at Chibi. Afterwards, the Cao family’s four generations were unable to conquer Wu, and Guan Yu carelessly lost the three counties of Jingzhou, not only resulting in his own death in Maicheng but also completely cutting off the path for Shu Han to vie for the Central Plains. How many eternal regrets are buried in this city of Jingzhou.”

The two of them stared at Jingzhou, their hearts surging with emotions, as if they could hear the sound of war drums and the clamor of a thousand horses and soldiers from a thousand years ago. What a magnificent and turbulent scene it must have been.

After entering the city, they didn’t rest, but hurried to visit Liang Guang.

Liang Guang inquired about the situation in Yueyang, and they also inquired about the situation in Jingzhou. Everyone was worried about the naval battle on Dongting Lake.

Yan Sikong asked, “Lord Liang, previously, Prince Liang imprisoned some officials and generals from Jingzhou. Have they all been rescued by now?”

Liang Guang nodded, “Most of those who refused to join him in rebellion have been killed by him, but he has left behind a few important officials. Among them, the Governor of the Two Lakes, Lord Ge Zhong, has been imprisoned for several months.”

Yan Sikong asked with apparent concern, “Where is Lord Ge Zhong imprisoned, and is he safe now? This Jingzhou city has been plagued by Prince Liang’s turmoil. Now that everything is in ruins, we still need Lord Ge Zhong to revive hope.”

“Prince Liang is probably wary, so he only put Lord Ge Zhong under house arrest in his mansion and didn’t mistreat him. However, Lord Ge Zhong is worried and is still lying on his sickbed. But the physician said there is no major problem, and he will recover after resting for a few days.”

“That’s really good news,” Yan Sikong said sincerely. How could he watch Ge Zhong die of illness?

Feng Ye said, “The city is in chaos now. Can we go and meet the governor to discuss the revival of the city? After all, General Zhao and Di Jiang are still fighting the rebel army, and Jingzhou still needs grain and fodder.”

Liang Guang said, “I understand. Tomorrow morning, we will go and meet Lord Ge together. Both of you have risked your lives for this battle, and you have made great contributions. You must be very tired. Go and rest now.”

The two of them bid farewell to Liang Guang and returned to the inn.

Yan Sikong had not taken off his armor for several days. The bloodstains on his body were clearly visible. Although he was not injured, the accumulated fatigue was unbearable. After taking a bath at the inn, he collapsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.