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墨書 Inktalez
"I don't deploy troops casually! Last night, tens of thousands of the Jin Army launched a surprise attack under the cover of darkness. If it weren't for the explosives we buried along the road, they might have breached Taiyuan City by now, and they are already engaged in fierce battles within the city."
"If the enemy has reached our gates and we still dare not send out troops to confront them, what difference is that from being a turtle hiding in its shell? We would just be letting them kill us all."
"Lord Zhang, there's no need to panic. This war is my responsibility; I will bear the full brunt of any blame from the court. If the court holds me accountable, I will take it all upon myself."
Wang Bin spoke with righteous fervor, "Soldiers should fight bravely for their country. We cannot hide within the city, fearing for our lives, and not even dare to eliminate the enemy soldiers who come close!"
"Although the Emperor seeks peace, that does not mean we should hand over Taiyuan City to the Jin soldiers. Defending ourselves is not a violation of imperial orders!"
Qin Feng and several generals felt their spirits rise; this is how generals of the Great Song should be—dedicated to serving their country with unparalleled bravery and wisdom.
The Jin soldiers were launching a massive offensive, yet instead of being afraid, they took the initiative to attack after the explosions, inflicting a great defeat upon them—excellent!
However, Zhang Bangchang and Wang Xiang were different; they were both cowards who feared for their lives. They didn't want to die in battle; they wanted to keep their lives intact and continue enjoying themselves!
Wang Xiang showed less enthusiasm and spirit; he did not want to go to battle with these reckless individuals. That would truly shorten his life, especially with several beautiful concubines waiting for him!
Zhang Bangchang was furious. Wang Bin was indeed a general who only thought about fighting while the court clearly wanted peace—what a brute!
He reasoned that this could be considered defense! Even if it went against orders, it was understandable.
His face twitched in frustration; he was filled with pent-up anger. You may fight joyfully, but disaster is about to strike me, and I still have to go to the military camp to seek peace.
He stood up and said, "You all are quite something! You continue discussing military matters; I have important business to attend to and won't waste more time with you—truly a group of reckless brutes."
Suddenly, a hand grabbed Qin Feng's arm, surprising him as he was pulled outside.
Qin Feng also resisted a bit but soon realized he couldn't match that strength.
"What's going on? I still have things to do," he said.
Zhang Bangchang's expression darkened. "Qin Feng, don't forget that you are also a Peace Envoy, not a General responsible for fighting. I have something to discuss with you, so hurry up and come with me!"
He continued to pull him outside, and Qin Feng did not resist, following him out.
The other Generals nearby did not dare to stop them. Zhang Bangchang was a significant figure and was in charge of Negotiation. Since Qin Feng was not one of their own, they let them go.
Wang Bin wanted to keep Qin Feng behind but could not stop him. After all, he was also a Peace Envoy, not his subordinate, so he allowed the two Peace Envoys to go out and discuss.
Zhang Bangchang held onto Qin Feng's hand tightly as they hurried out of the General's Mansion. Once outside, he finally released his grip and wore an unusually serious expression.
Qin Feng felt quite uncomfortable! Being pulled along by a big man like this was rather awkward.
"Brother Zhang, what do you need me for? Can't it wait until we're inside? Why come all the way out here?"
He was somewhat puzzled; he couldn't tell if Qin Feng genuinely didn't know or was just pretending not to know while still mingling with those Generals.
"Oh, I'm looking for you regarding Negotiation matters. We are about to head to the Golden Army Camp to negotiate with them. We discussed it last night and planned to go this morning."
"Although there was a major battle last night, resulting in thousands of casualties among Jin Bing's forces, as long as we provide enough Silver grain and send some beautiful women, we should be able to reach an agreement successfully. My Great Song can enjoy peace for several more years!"
Qin Feng listened in astonishment. The more he heard, the more unbelievable it seemed. After such a fierce battle, how could they possibly negotiate successfully?
It was clear that the Jin people had invaded the lands of the Song State, yet they were expected to provide them with Silver grain, support their horses and training, and even send daughters from ordinary families for their amusement. It was truly disgraceful.
"Brother Zhang, we don't need to negotiate anymore. Given Jin Bing's sudden attack last night, they have no intention of negotiating; they are merely trying to disrupt our army's morale and seize the opportunity to attack!"
"Moreover, we have to send them Silver food and beautiful women for their enjoyment. It's simply impossible. If we go to negotiate, we might not even come back, getting killed by their chaotic blades and buried alongside the thousands who have died."
Zhang Bangchang was indeed a bit shaken. It felt like that was the case. Initially indifferent, they suddenly decided to negotiate, only for Jin Bing to launch a surprise attack that night.
The two of them did not set off for Jin Camp, instead sending one of their trusted aides, Zhang Er, to take a large sum of money and scout the situation at Jin Camp.
Zhang Er had been with him for many years, having seen the deceitful nature of the officialdom and the dangers of Jin Camp. He was a man of discretion!
He was also very shrewd, knowing how to speak well and turn danger into safety, allowing himself to escape unharmed. Zhang Bangchang thought to himself.
So Zhang Er rode a Black Warhorse, accompanied by several people, carrying a box of gold to gather intelligence.
Before he left, Zhang Bangchang spoke to him at length, emphasizing the need to gather information and persuade them to agree to negotiations.
Qin Feng thought that would mean he had nothing else to do! He planned to return to his Post Station and rest well.
But how could Zhang Bangchang let him go back? His current state of mind was like an ant on a hot pan, anxiously pacing around, though he wasn't actually moving about.
If the negotiations fell through and Jin Bing launched a massive southward advance, those tens of thousands of Cavalry would be hard to resist. The emperor would certainly hold him accountable for any failures, and losing his head wouldn't be out of the question.
He forcibly dragged Qin Feng up onto the walls of Taiyuan City, waiting there for good news from Zhang Er!
As soon as good news from Zhang Er arrived, they would set off for Jin Camp to plead for mercy, offering as much Silver as needed, along with beautiful women and food.
Standing atop the high walls of Taiyuan City, which rose several dozen meters high and stretched endlessly, it was truly magnificent.
Countless soldiers in red armor stood above, all wielding Broadswords. Some stood there tightly gripping long Spears, exuding an air of menace. It was truly imposing!
The soldiers of Taiyuan City truly possess strength, having undergone brutal training, comparable to the Imperial Guards I brought with me.
These soldiers surpass many provincial troops, being stronger than those from Jinzhou, Fen Prefecture, and Henan Prefecture. Just by observing their stance, one can sense the killing intent; they are indeed an elite force!
Of course, it is also winter in the north, and it is extremely cold. The biting Cold Wind blows in from all directions, tearing through like a wild beast; it is unbearably cold.
The howling north wind is deafening and feels very harsh; it is truly uncomfortable. It must be painful to guard the city in such conditions.
Qin Feng shivered as he stood there, his nose running incessantly. He felt like he was catching a cold; this wind was too cold for him to bear!
He wondered what Zhang Bangchang was thinking. He should know that the Jin Army consists of fierce warriors, yet he still wants to negotiate and pay reparations. How could he be so spineless?
Continuing to gaze outside Taiyuan City, they had been walking for nearly an hour and should have reached the Golden Army Camp by now.
Zhang Bangchang was also shivering; he didn't expect it to be this cold on the city wall! It was much colder than being accompanied by a beautiful woman in a house; it was like comparing heaven and earth.
Suddenly, in the distance, a troop of several dozen soldiers appeared. They were not from the Song Dynasty nor from Zhang Er's group; there were too many of them.
They approached quickly, riding yellow Warhorses, each carrying a golden box meant for holding gold, just like the ones Zhang Er and his group had brought.
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