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墨書 Inktalez
In Heishui City, Li Jiancheng witnessed Luo Cheng being struck by an arrow and falling from his horse. Although he felt a sense of resentment towards him for being part of Li Shimin's faction, they were both soldiers of the Tang Dynasty, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Seeing Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan heavily surrounded by the Turkic Army, their lives hanging by a thread, he quickly weighed the pros and cons. Although these two had once betrayed them, failing to rescue them now would not only dishearten the other soldiers but could also boost the morale of the Turkic Army, putting them at a greater disadvantage. Moreover, keeping them alive would provide future opportunities for handling them; if he turned a blind eye now, it would only make him appear narrow-minded.
“Qin Qiong, Wei Chi Gong, heed my command!” Li Jiancheng's gaze was resolute, his voice steady and powerful.
Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong immediately stepped forward, responding in unison, “At your service!”
“Both generals, lead three thousand elite troops out of the city to rescue our comrades. Ensure that the trapped soldiers return safely!” The determination in Li Jiancheng's eyes left no room for doubt.
“Your command will be followed!” Without hesitation, Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong quickly assembled their troops, opened the city gates, and charged towards the Turkic Army like arrows released from a bow. Qin Qiong was anxious; his spear danced like a dragon, knocking down Turkic soldiers wherever he went. He and Luo Cheng were cousins with a deep bond, and at this moment, all he wanted was to rescue his trapped cousin and the other soldiers. Wei Chi Gong wielded dual whips with great vigor; each strike carried immense power as he coordinated closely with Qin Qiong. Together, they moved like a sharp spear piercing through the encirclement of the Turkic Army.
The Turkic Army was momentarily thrown into disarray by the sudden emergence of two fresh forces from the Tang army. However, seasoned from many battles, they quickly regained their composure and began organizing a counterattack. The battlefield erupted into chaos with shouts of battle filling the air and blades flashing as both sides engaged in fierce combat. The Turkic soldiers fought bravely despite their overwhelming numbers, launching frenzied attacks against Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong's forces. Yet, with their superior skills and rich experience, Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong led their troops in courageous resistance, showing no fear against the ferocious onslaught of the Turkic Army.
Li Jiancheng stood atop the city wall, intently observing the battlefield with furrowed brows. He understood that the outcome of this battle was crucial—not only for repelling the Turkic threat but also for his own standing in court and future prospects. He turned to Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing beside him and said, “You two are skilled warriors familiar with our new weapons; lead the Donglin Army and be ready to assist at any moment. If the situation becomes dire up front, you must charge out to support!”
Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing nodded firmly in agreement, responding in unison, “Yes!” They quickly gathered the Donglin Army and lined them up neatly at the city gate, prepared to strike at any moment.
On the battlefield, Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong fought valiantly until they reached Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan's side. At this point, both Er Zhu Huan and Qiao Gong Shan were severely wounded with only a few soldiers remaining around them; exhaustion and despair were etched on their faces. Upon seeing Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong come to their aid, a glimmer of hope sparked in their eyes.
“General Qin... save us!” Er Zhu Huan called out with his last ounce of strength.
“General Er, do not panic! We are here to rescue you!” Qin Qiong shouted back as he wielded his spear even faster, driving back approaching Turkic soldiers one by one. Wei Chi Gong fought fiercely beside him with his dual whips raised high to deter any Turkic soldier from coming close. With their relentless efforts to rescue them, the trapped Tang soldiers gradually regrouped and began breaking through towards the city. However, how could the Turkic Army let them escape so easily? They intensified their assault in an attempt to re-encircle the Tang forces.
At that moment, Li Jiancheng spotted an opportunity. He noticed that due to pursuing the Tang army, there was a gap in the flank of the Turkic Army. Without hesitation, he turned to Hua Ying and Yu Minjie beside him and said, “You two lead a thousand Changlin Army troops for a flanking attack on the Turkic Army to disrupt their formation!”
After receiving their orders, Hua Ying and Yu Minjie swiftly led the Changlin Army out from the flank. The soldiers of Changlin Army wielded weapons crafted by Li Jiancheng using patterned steel technology; their morale was high. These weapons displayed significant advantages on the battlefield as they easily cut through Turkic soldiers' weapons, leaving the Turkic Army caught off guard.
The sudden attack on their flank threw the Turkic Army into chaos. They had not anticipated that the Tang forces would strike from this direction at such a critical moment; confusion spread among their ranks as soldiers began fleeing in all directions. Seizing this chance, Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Gong led their trapped comrades back into safety within the city walls under cover from Changlin Army's support.
Although they successfully rescued some soldiers, Luo Cheng's death still impacted Tang morale significantly. Upon returning to his command post after battle, Li Jiancheng immediately summoned his generals to discuss strategies.
“The unfortunate death of General Luo today is a significant loss for our army,” Li Jiancheng stated firmly while looking at everyone present. “However, we must not be disheartened; we need to devise strategies quickly to repel the Turkic Army!”
Qin Qiong’s face was filled with sorrow as he spoke up: “Your Highness, Luo Cheng is my cousin; I must avenge him! But now that the Turkic Army is so formidable, what should we do?”
Li Jiancheng pondered for a moment before replying: “Though numerous in number, the Turkic Army has come from afar; thus their supply lines must be strained. Moreover, having achieved initial success today has boosted their morale—it's unwise for us to engage them head-on right now. We can hold our ground within the city to wear down their spirit while seeking opportunities for surprise attacks.”
Everyone nodded in agreement with his plan. Li Jiancheng continued: “I have observed that their supply depot is located about twenty miles behind their camp. If we can send someone to raid their supplies, it will surely throw them into disarray.”
“Your Highness! I am willing to go!” Dan Bingbing stepped forward with determination shining in her eyes.
“I will go too!” Liang Jing followed closely behind her.
Li Jiancheng looked at them both and nodded: “You two are skilled fighters with sharp minds; I intended to send you both on this mission anyway. But it will be fraught with danger—exercise utmost caution! I will also send Hua Ying and Yu Minjie along with five hundred Changlin Army troops to assist you in burning down the Turkic Army’s supplies.”
After Dan Bingbing, Liang Jing, Hua Ying, and Yu Minjie received their orders, they promptly began preparations for action. They selected five hundred elite Changlin Army troops who quietly departed Heishui City under cover of night towards the supply depot of the Turkic Army.
The night on the grassland was eerily silent except for hoofbeats and soft breaths from soldiers. Dan Bingbing’s group moved cautiously forward while trying to avoid patrols from the Turkic Army. After much difficulty navigating through obstacles, they finally arrived at the supply depot of the Turkic Army.
Piles of supplies loomed like mountains around which several Turkic soldiers stood guard. Dan Bingbing surveyed the terrain before whispering to her companions: “Listen up! Hua Ying and Yu Minjie—you two take part of our forces to draw attention from the front while Liang Jing and I will sneak in from the side looking for an opportunity to set fire.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Hua Ying and Yu Minjie led a portion of the Changlin Army, suddenly charging towards the guards of the Turkic Army, and the sounds of battle erupted immediately. The Turkic soldiers were taken by surprise by this sudden attack and hastily grabbed their weapons to defend themselves. Meanwhile, Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing took the opportunity to lead another part of the Changlin Army around the flank, quickly locating the stockpile of supplies.
Dan Bingbing pulled out a fire starter, ignited a torch, and then threw it towards the pile of supplies. In an instant, flames erupted, rapidly spreading and illuminating the night sky. Upon seeing the supplies catch fire, chaos ensued among the Turkic Army. They abandoned their resistance and rushed towards the burning supplies in an attempt to extinguish the flames.
Seeing this, Hua Ying and Yu Minjie seized the moment to launch a fierce assault, causing the Turkic soldiers to scatter in confusion. Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing also joined the fray, engaging in intense combat with the Turkic Army. After a fierce battle, the stockpile of supplies was completely destroyed, with most of the guarding soldiers either dead or injured.
Once their mission was accomplished, Dan Bingbing and her companions quickly retreated. The Turkic Army Commander learned of the destruction of his supplies and was furious. He knew that without provisions, his army could not sustain a prolonged campaign, so he decided to launch a full-scale assault on Heishui City at dawn the next day.
The following morning, the Turkic Army surged forth, launching a fierce attack on Heishui City. They set up ladders in an attempt to force their way up onto the city walls. Li Jiancheng had long been prepared; he commanded his troops to bravely resist. The soldiers used stones, arrows, and other weapons to strike back at the Turkic Army, repelling them time after time.
Seeing their siege efforts thwarted, the Turkic Army Commander devised another plan. He ordered his soldiers to bring out a Siege Engine in an attempt to break down the city gates. Upon seeing the Siege Engine appear, Li Jiancheng felt a pang of anxiety. He immediately ordered his men to attack it with boiling oil and massive stones, but their efforts yielded little success.
In that critical moment, Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing arrived at the city walls with the Changlin Army. They brought with them Li Jiancheng's improved Repeating Crossbows; these crossbows had enhanced range, accuracy, and power. Dan Bingbing and Liang Jing directed their soldiers to use the Repeating Crossbows against both the Siege Engine and the Turkic soldiers. Arrows rained down upon the Turkic Army like a storm, causing many soldiers to fall while riddling the Siege Engine with holes.
Realizing that things were turning against him, the Turkic Army Commander attempted to retreat. Li Jiancheng would not let this opportunity slip away; he immediately commanded his entire army to charge: "Soldiers! Attack! Drive the Turkic Army back north and let them know our Tang's might!" The morale of his troops surged as they surged forward like a tide against the Turkic Army. The Turkic forces crumbled under pressure, abandoning their gear as they fled in disarray. Li Jiancheng led his troops in pursuit until they had driven the Turkic Army back to their northern borders.
This battle ended in a resounding victory for the Tang army. Li Jiancheng successfully repelled the Turkic Army and defended Tang territory. News of this victory reached Chang'an, bringing great joy to Li Yuan. He had not expected that Li Jiancheng could achieve such a glorious victory under such adverse conditions.
"Proclaim my decree: summon Crown Prince Li Jiancheng back to court immediately!" Li Yuan said excitedly.
Upon receiving this decree, Li Jiancheng left part of his forces stationed at Heishui City while he himself led his army triumphantly homeward. Along the way, citizens lined the streets to welcome him, praising his bravery endlessly. Following this victory, Li Jiancheng's prestige soared, solidifying his position within court.
Upon returning to Chang'an, Li Jiancheng entered the palace to pay his respects to Li Yuan. With a beaming smile, Li Yuan looked at him and said, "Jiancheng, your campaign has resulted in a great victory for our Tang dynasty. I am deeply gratified!"
Li Jiancheng quickly knelt in gratitude: "Your humble son’s victory is entirely due to your wise leadership and our valiant soldiers; your humble son does not dare take credit."
Li Yuan nodded with satisfaction: "You need not be modest. This victory is largely due to your efforts. I have decided to reward you handsomely for your achievements."
Subsequently, Li Yuan announced generous rewards for Li Jiancheng—not only granting him titles but also bestowing vast amounts of gold, silver treasures, and land. Li Jiancheng's prestige reached unprecedented heights; however, his rivalry with Li Shimin became even more intricate following this victory. Far away in Jiangnan, upon hearing of Li Jiancheng's remarkable achievement, Li Shimin felt both jealousy and resentment brewing within him. He understood that he must act swiftly; otherwise, he would lose any chance at claiming the crown prince position altogether. Meanwhile, Li Jiancheng contemplated his next steps; he knew that despite this victory, his struggle with Li Shimin was far from over—he must remain vigilant and prepare thoroughly for his ultimate ascent to power.
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