324 Fall of the Capital of Chu

more disappointed towards this favored granddaughter of hers. Ever since Leirui and Ye Li were engaged, Prince Li seemed to care less about Ye Ying than what people said. Of course, it could be due t...324. The Fall of the Capital City Chu

324. The Fall of the Capital City Chu

Xu Hongyan didn't have time to celebrate for a year before he led Mo Hua and others on a thousand-mile journey to the icy, snow-covered grassland outside the border. The hardships they endured along the way are beyond words. Similarly, those guarding the city of Chu did not care about celebrating. Even with the support from Meng Mu Shen's and He Su's armies, their attacks seemed to weaken after several days. However, the massive army in the north appeared to be getting more aggressive. More northern troops were besieging the capital city Chu. Eventually, He Su’s force was overwhelmed by nearly a million enemy soldiers and retreated early from the battlefield.

However, instead of fading into obscurity after leaving the battlefield, He Su led his troops around and joined forces with Meng Mu Shen's army who were battling against the northern Rong army. The two armies then launched an attack on the attacking Rong army. Even after repelling them, they continued westward to pursue the enemy. This reduced the worries of those defending Chu and allowed them to focus their efforts entirely on resisting the north. Moreover, if He Su's troops could reach the western border and join forces with Mo Hua’s army under Duke Dingwang, it would save a lot of time for Mo Hua’s troops.

There was no festive atmosphere in the city of Chu due to the enemy siege. The northern army paused their assault after a snowfall. The cold weather made the walls icy and much harder to attack than usual. On top of the city wall, Duke Huaguo and his son Leng Haoyu were looking out into the distance where the northern camp was clearly visible. Leng Haoyu sighed as he looked far away and said, "The north has reinforced their troops."

Duke Huaguo squinted and said, "It's not just reinforcements; even the king of the north is present on the battlefield." He pointed to a flag in the middle of the northern camp which was indeed the banner of the northern king. In order to boost morale among his troops, Ren Qining’s arrival at the front lines wasn't hidden, so it didn’t matter if the Chu defenders knew about it.

Leng Huai frowned and said with puzzlement, "I see a five-clawed golden dragon on that royal flag. Isn't the central region of Chu and Western Ling both part of the same dynasty Their flags and imperial symbols feature dragons and phoenixes as their totems, but it's different for foreign tribes. For example, Northern Rong reveres wolves, so their royal family’s totem is a wolf head. Nanzhao uses flowers as their totem. The northern tribes generally use fierce animal shapes as their totems but none of them use dragons which are mythical creatures.

Leng Haoyu leaned against the cold wall and said with a grin, "That's because Ren Qining claims he's a descendant of the previous dynasty’s royal family."

"What" Leng Huai and Duke Huaguo were taken aback.

Leng Huai doubtfully said, "The previous dynasty fell two hundred years ago. Can Ren Qining's identity be trusted"

Leng Haoyu shrugged and said with a smile, "Who knows Anyway, he's a Central Plains person. Whether he says he’s the descendant of the previous dynasty or even an ancestor to that dynasty, no one can stop him from claiming so. To vie for power over the world, there must be some reason, right" Leng Huai and Duke Huaguo exchanged looks, then Duke Huaguo said with a smile, "Cold Second is right. No matter who he is, just by leading northern barbarians to attack Central Plains, Ren Qining lacks the qualifications to claim himself as a descendant of the previous dynasty's royal family while vying for power in Central Plains. It would be better if he directly raised an uprising; that wouldn't look so bad." As the legitimate heir of the former dynasty’s royal family leading a group of barbarians to attack Central Plains didn’t sound good either, and literati from Central Plains who claimed legitimacy always looked down on foreign tribes. Therefore, Ren Qining's actions were even harder for traditional scholars to accept.

Leng Haoyu smiled nonchalantly and said casually, "Currently, the northern territory isn't united; there are conflicts between the native people of the north and those from Central Plains whom Ren Qining trusts. This time, Duke Dingwang staged a show in the north, so it's likely that the core region of the north is just superficially unified but internally divided."

"Oh" At this point, both Leng Huai and Duke Huaguo couldn't help but perk up their ears with curiosity. They naturally wouldn’t know that Prince Ding had already taken action against the northern territory hundreds of miles away. This wasn’t a secret either; it was just that the news hadn’t reached those in Chu who were besieged by the enemy. Leng Haoyu didn’t conceal anything and said with a malicious smile, "A few days ago, Duke Dingwang had Ren Qining's wife and eldest son and daughter killed. A few more days later, his concubine’s children also died off completely. Now, the royal family of the north can be said to only consist of Ren Qining alone."

Duke Huaguo and Leng Huai were shocked inside. Prince Ding's move was not only ruthless but had profound implications. It wasn't just a matter of taking revenge on Ren Qining; it might make people in the north secretly blame him for the deaths of his princess, eldest son, and daughter. The death of Ren Qining’s concubine’s children would likely be seen by outsiders as retaliation from northern people. Even if Ren Qining knew the truth, no one else might believe him when he said it out loud. When Prince Ding conceived this plan while still in Western Ling far away, it showed how easily he could manipulate Northern Jin's heart and power, and his strategic acumen was indeed not empty talk.

Duke Huaguo and Leng Huai exchanged looks, both sighing involuntarily. With such great talent and strategy, Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli’s defeat wasn’t unjustified at all.

Cold Haoyu leaned against the wall, looking towards the distant Northern Camp with a cold smile: A country that has already fallen should stay put, attempting to restore it is merely an illusion. They even want to conquer the capital of Chu and let Northerners rule Central Plains They will die completely one day!

The royal family of the North was almost exterminated, and the news that the North allied with the Rong people naturally reached Southern regions as well. However, other than taking pleasure in their misfortune, Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting had no further reaction. Lei Zhenting even chuckled coldly; he felt that a lot of pent-up frustration was dispelled over these past two months. If not for Ren Qining's interference, the change of power in Western Liang would have never led to his forces being thoroughly cleansed by Mo Xiuyao’s army. Yet now, instead of focusing on the North, Lei Zhenting paid attention to the emperor who had recently moved his capital to An City and Mo Jingli in the South. Mo Jingli was still obedient; however, after moving the capital, the Western Liang Emperor started causing trouble. Most of Prince Nan’s influence at court was reduced by Mo Xiuyao's army, so Teng Feng found it increasingly difficult to control the emperor.

Although Western Liang lost a third of its northern territory, Lei Zhenting also took over most of Southern Chu. After Murong Shen led his troops northward, they opened up a passage in the southwest and connected the area occupied by Lei Zhenting with Western Liang once again. As such, although Western Liang lost their capital city, this battle was not too detrimental to them. However, Lei Zhenting knew that Mo Xiuyao's army was actually the biggest winner of this war: Once they conquered Chu’s Capital City and controlled both Eastern and Western capitals, their power would surpass all other countries. But although he understood this, Lei Zhenting did not have time to deal with Mo Xiuyao at present; thus, he gritted his teeth and endured.

After Ren Qining personally arrived in Chu’s Capital City to oversee the battle, the offensive of the Northern army became even fiercer. The defenders had been defending the city for nearly three months, exhausting both physically and mentally; their food supplies also ran low. Not to mention that there were still over a million civilians who needed to eat in the city. Even on New Year's Day, the civilians and soldiers only had one bun each with a bowl of clear porridge. The hardships of defending the city increased day by day. In order to boost morale, the elderly Duke Huaguo personally went onto the city walls.

It was not until the 9th day of the first month that Chu’s Capital City had been under siege for three months and ten days in total—103 days. Perhaps they knew that the city's defenses were weakening, so the Northern army kept launching attacks without showing any signs of exhaustion or fatigue, their morale rising higher with each assault. On top of the city walls stood Leng Huai and Duke Huaguo; both had stern faces but looked exhausted from the wind and cold. Behind them was Leng Haoyu, Leng Qingyu, Wei Lin, and other young generals. Usually relaxed and unbothered, Leng Haoyu's face also carried a few solemn expressions.

Looking at the Northern army camp not far away from the city wall with eyes full of vigilance, Leng Huai said helplessly to Duke Huaguo: "Old duke, it seems we can no longer hold out..." There was both regret and despair in his tone. They had held on for three months without breaking; as soldiers and ministers, they could be proud before the Chu kingdom. However, unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao’s reinforcements would not arrive.

Duke Huaguo's aged face showed a trace of sorrow when he looked at the distant flags waving in the wind. His voice was steady yet determined: "Even if Chu’s Capital City falls, I will die with it."

Leng Huai nodded: "Old duke is right; this soldier shares your sentiment—If the city stands, we stand; if the city falls, we fall!"

Leng Haoyu walked down from the wall. The current situation was indeed troublesome. If he wanted to escape alone, it would not be hard, but these past few months of defending the city had also brought him a lot. As the son of a military family, although he never went into battle before, leaving his comrades behind now was out of the question. Moreover, both his father and wife were still in the city as well. "Your Highness! If you don't come soon, I’m going to die here!" Leng Haoyu said with a helpless smile.

"Second brother." As he turned into an alley, someone called out to him from behind. Without turning around, Leng Haoyu knew who it was. He scowled and turned to face the cold-looking Leng Qingyu in his white robe; dust had stained his snow-white lion battle robe, adding to its stern appearance. Regarding this legitimate elder brother, Leng Haoyu never had much to say. He arched an eyebrow: "General Leng, is there something you want"

Leng Qingyu frowned and said: "I have something I need to talk to you about."

Leng Haoyu raised his eyebrows and leaned back against the wall without caring if he got dust on himself. He replied coolly: "Please, go ahead."

Looking at him, Leng Qingyu asked: "What do you look down upon me for" Smiling but not answering, of course, Leng Haoyu looked down on his elder brother. As a concubine's son, it was inevitable that he and the legitimate son would get along poorly; growing up without any love from his father while watching the favored Leng Qingyu receive all the attention and training made him even more disdainful of his elder brother. And did Leng Qingyu ever really see him as a younger brother As Leng Haoyu grew older, befriending Mo Xiuyao and Feng San, he began to feel various forms of contempt for Leng Qingyu: So what if you received your father’s praise and favor—Your martial skills are not better than mine, nor is your ability; even on the battlefield, your fighting prowess cannot compare with mine. I just don’t want to compete with you.

That was why after saving Leng Huai at Zijin Pass, Leng Haoyu felt extremely relieved. It was like finally being able to openly enjoy something one had previously only enjoyed in secret; the feeling was indescribable. Especially when he saw how gloomy and resentful Feng San looked each time Leng Huai praised him, his satisfaction would multiply.

Leng Qingyu snorted: "It doesn't matter if you look down upon me. After all, who knows whether I can survive this battle or not If I die, take care of Father."

Huh Leng Haoyu was taken aback. He thought that Leng Qingyu still wanted to fight with him, but it turned out he came to leave a deathbed message Haoyu pursed his lips and pushed away the strange feeling in his heart. "If you want to make your last wishes known, find your son. What does it have to do with me" Finished speaking, he turned around and walked off. Behind him, Leng Qingyu’s voice rang out: "Anyway, if I die, you will be the only legitimate son of the Cold Family. Take good care of your father." After saying that, he didn’t look at Haoyu’s reaction anymore, turning to walk towards the city wall. Haoyu froze for a moment and shouted back at Leng Qingyu’s retreating figure: "Why should I care if you die I don’t give a damn about your Cold Family!"

Before Chu Jing had enough time to catch his breath after defending the city, the Northern Army launched another attack. This assault was even more intense than before. Watching as the soldiers on the city wall were knocked off one by one and seeing the troops cross over the moat and climb onto the battlements, only to be pushed back down again, then others would take their place and continue climbing up. The entire city wall reverberated with cries of battle, thick bloodlust hanging heavily in the air.

Finally, under heavy pounding, the sturdy city gate collapsed. A large number of Northern Army soldiers poured into the city. On the battlements, Duke Huaguo picked up his silver spear and looked at the people still fighting there: "Leng Hua! Guard the tower!" Leng Hua was stunned, hurriedly asking: "Old Duke, are you..." The old duke said in a deep voice: "I’m going down to meet those Northern soldiers!"

Without waiting for Leng Hua’s refusal, he walked off the battlements. His light blue battle robe flapped fiercely in the cold wind, making people feel as if they were seeing Duke Huaguo from back then, a powerful and fearless warrior.

The city gate was only so big. Although it had been breached, Chu’s soldiers immediately rushed to block the Northern soldiers’ path. The two sides fought fiercely at the city gate. However, the Northern soldiers were fierce and valiant; how could they be resisted by these tired and hungry Chu soldiers Chu Jing kept retreating, while the Northern soldiers kept pouring into the city. If this continued, defending the battlements would no longer have any meaning. Leng Hua had to order his men to retreat from the battlements and fight separately within the city. This battle of defending the city lasted over three months. At this point, it was a matter of life or death. Before half an hour had passed, shouts and cries could already be heard throughout Chu Jing.

Although Ren Qining’s troops were restrained by their orders, how obedient were they really Many houses were destroyed, with jewelry and treasures plundered as well. If the citizens resisted, they would end up being killed by Northern soldiers. In a matter of moments, this bustling city had turned into a hell on earth.

The center of Chu Jing was the imperial palace, but there weren’t many guards left around it now. The vast royal city was empty and quiet, with no one to be seen. Deep within the palace, a young man and woman were hugging each other. The girl’s face was beautiful, but half of her face had large scars, making her look even more bizarre. "Brother, are you afraid" This girl was Princess Zhenning, daughter of Concubine Liu; sitting by her side naturally was Duke Meng Xiaoyun, eldest son of Imperial Consort Liu.

Meng Xiaoyun shook his head and said softly: "I’m not scared. Sister, don’t be scared either—I’ll stay with you..." He comforted his sister quietly as shouts from outside the palace walls grew closer. A few guards rushed over and one of them spoke in a deep voice: "Your Excellency, Princess, the Northern soldiers are about to break through here. Please follow us and leave."

Meng Xiaoyun shook his head again and said coldly: "No need, go help Duke Huaguo and General Leng instead. I’m not going anywhere."

Zhenning held her brother’s hand and nodded: "That’s right. As a princess of Chu, even if I die, I’ll do it here in the palace. Go ahead yourselves; you won’t be able to stop them anyway, and you’d just be wasting your lives." The guards looked at each other and understood that Duke Meng Xiaoyun had made up his mind. The royal family abandoning its people and fleeing was an act they couldn’t condone, but now they felt a bit of respect towards this brother-sister pair. Rising to their feet, they bowed: "If so, Your Excellency, Princess, take care."

Watching the guards leave, silence fell over the palace once again. The two siblings sat together in dependence. Although it was cold and snowy now, there were no braziers warming the hall anymore. Hugging each other brought them a little warmth. "I wonder how Brother is doing," Zhenning said.

When they had stayed behind in Chu Jing, their brother had been taken away by Mo Jinglei. Perhaps it wasn’t unrelated to restraining Meng Xiaoyun.

Meng Xiaoyun spoke softly: "He should be alive… I hope he’s safe."

"But I’m unwilling! I haven’t found that woman..." Zhenning stroked the scars on her face with a look of revulsion. She hadn’t yet avenged herself against that woman, who was originally her mother but had caused this situation for her, even making her die in such ugliness!

"Sister... "

Within the city, fighting started at dawn and continued until dusk. The Northern soldiers gradually took over more of the area. The remaining Chu forces had smaller areas to move around in, everyone feeling hopeless and helpless already. More people with bloodlust in their eyes charged towards the Northern troops; they would rather die than let others live.

Outside the city, Ren Qining was standing on horseback, listening to the constant sounds of battle coming from inside. A nearby general said, "The Chu people are usually weak, but I didn’t expect them to have such bloodthirstiness. They haven't surrendered even though they're about to be completely annihilated."

Ren Qining coolly replied, "They aren't weak; it's their tenacity. Overly stiff will break easily. People from the Central Plains are not as fierce as those from borderland ethnic groups, but they persevere. Thus, over thousands of years, this prosperous land has been ruled by them."

The general from the Northern Frontier looked slightly不服 (unconvinced), yet he refrained from saying anything after glancing at Ren Qining.

Suddenly—a flame-like spark burst in the sky, followed by rumbling sounds and even faint tremors on the ground. Everyone was startled; Ren Qining sat up straight on his horse and whipped his whip angrily, shouting, "That good-for-nothing Yelü Ye!" A nearby general exclaimed in alarm, "Is it the Mohist army!"

"Who else could make such a commotion besides the Black Cloud Cavalry" Ren Qining said resentfully, roaring out orders, "Send reinforcements into the city! Ensure that we capture the Chu capital before the arrival of the Mohist army!"

“Yes!”

The people fighting fiercely within the city also saw the flames in the sky. Leng Haoyu’s eyes lit up as he kicked aside a Northern Frontier soldier and called out loudly from a high place, "The Mohist army has arrived! Open the west gate!" Fortunately, the Western Gate was still in Chu's hands; upon hearing this, every Chu soldier felt a surge of spirit. Soon, others also shouted, "The Mohist army is here! The Mohist army is here!" The call spread rapidly throughout the city, and even many civilians who had been hiding cheered up. Some martial artists even joined the fight against Northern Frontier soldiers in the streets.

The Western Gate of Chu capital opened with a loud bang, and the Chu soldiers rushed to protect it until the Mohist army arrived. The Black Cloud Cavalry moved swiftly like wind, seemingly miles away but quickly entering the city like a black whirlwind.

Chu's main roads were spacious enough for the cavalry to move without feeling crowded, leaving bloody carnage in their wake.

Seeing the Black Cloud Cavalry, Leng Haoyu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He caught one soldier and asked urgently, "Has the main force arrived" Overwhelmed with emotion, the soldier almost lost consciousness but was quickly released, replying, "The infantry is slower; we cavalry are ahead." Leng Haoyu felt slightly disappointed, asking, “When will the main force arrive”

The Black Cloud Cavalry replied, "We don’t know."

“Who leads the Black Cloud Cavalry"

"Third Young Master Feng!"

Leng Haoyu threw away the soldier and ran towards the west. He arrived at the city gate to see Feng Zhiyao still standing gracefully in his red clothes, smiling at him, "Rarity to see Second Young Master Leng in such a plight." His condition was dire: covered in blood with multiple wounds, but he could move without major injuries obstructing him. Fuming, he said coldly, "The Marquis of Huaguo and the others are trapped near the palace; send people to rescue them!"

Feng Zhiyao’s expression turned serious as he waved his hand, dispatching a detachment towards the city while staying at the gate himself to ensure its entryway was secured for subsequent Mohist troops. He had to stay vigilant, lest Northern Frontier forces seize control of the gates before the reinforcements arrived—a major setback. Leng Haoyu panted and asked, "How many people did you bring"

Feng Zhiyao sighed, “The Black Cloud Cavalry Two thousand at most.”enly felt his heart stir. In the candlelight, her pale complexion seemed to emit a faint glow, making him feel moved. Soon, Mo Xiuyao looked away and rested his hand on his forehead: “Han Mingyue will...