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墨書 Inktalez
For Chen Cheng, witnessing Luzi entering the city to stop the Soldiers from indiscriminately killing innocent people was something he saw with his own eyes. Although he was also among the troops entering the city at that time, it was unavoidable. Especially in frontline combat units, if one treats oneself as an exception, there is no telling when one might suffer a setback.
Arrows flew and swords clashed without mercy; if one were careless, death could come without anyone investigating the matter. However, the distinction between right and wrong remained clear in his heart, and it was impossible to turn black into white. This time, with everyone pushing him forward to address the issue, he wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the matter of merit with Luzi.
Killing enemies is one thing, but we must never slaughter innocent civilians!
When Luzi understood Chen Cheng's intentions for this visit, he realized that he had misunderstood. Initially, he thought Chen Cheng was suggesting that he change his approach regarding the Soldiers, but that was not the case! So he earnestly asked, "How do you think we should respond to this matter?"
This question came sincerely from Luzi's heart; after all, he had just officially entered the military camp. He was completely unfamiliar with the routines here, and any random thought might not be applicable. Chen Cheng, on the other hand, was different; through their earlier conversation, it was evident that he was a thoughtful person.
Due to their unfamiliarity with each other, the passionate Chen Cheng overlooked this crucial point. In his view, anyone capable of leading troops into battle must have fought through years of bloodshed. Hearing what seemed like a vague response left him greatly disappointed. He regretted having spoken a bit too boldly earlier and lowered his head, looking for an excuse to leave.
How could he have been so talkative just moments ago and now fall silent? As Luzi waited for an answer and noticed Chen Cheng no longer speaking, he almost repeated his question but suddenly felt something. After a moment of reflection, he realized it was a language barrier! If this had been in Prosperity Record rather than in a military camp, when Keeper Chen asked him this question as a Veteran, he would have completely thought that the other party did not care.
Understanding this point, Luzi quickly walked over and grabbed Chen Cheng's arm, then they both approached the wooden platform together. "I wasn't previously stationed in the military camp; following General Bai into battle this time was purely coincidental. You see my Armor? It was actually made on short notice."
As a general's Armor, it is crafted with care and tailored specifically. This is not branded clothing that can be changed multiple times a day without repeating. As long as it hasn't suffered severe damage, even if it gets worn out, it is repaired and worn again. For this reason, scars from sharp weapons are still visible on it. Even without these obvious scratches, years of exposure to wind and rain leave marks on it.
At this moment, Luzi's general Armor was clearly brand new. Ordinary people wouldn't notice anything amiss; how much less so for someone like Chen Cheng who dealt with weapons and equipment regularly? With just a glance, he could see through it and quickly bowed slightly saying, "Your Excellency has misunderstood the general; please punish me."
Luzi looked at the fourth-level officer standing before him and couldn't help but sigh. He reached out and patted Chen Cheng's shoulder saying, "Actually, you should not be punished; it should be us who are out of touch with reality!" After saying this, he gestured for them to sit down and talk.
Luzi's words were commands; Chen Cheng straightened up as he sat down.
“General Bai is one of the most outstanding leaders of our army, but he takes great pleasure in senseless slaughter. I once followed General Bai into battle, and I cannot agree with such behavior. As a result, there is a saying among the people of Korea that General Bai can cure the nighttime crying of children. While this saying may instill fear in our enemies, it simultaneously inspires them to fight to the death for their city. They know that if the city falls, they will perish as well, making it inevitable that they will defend it with all their might. I truly cannot understand whether curing the nighttime crying of children is more important than the lives of our soldiers.”
Luzi listened intently and nodded in agreement. It is understandable to strive for military achievements, but the consequence is that all military and civilian personnel vow to resist to the death. While many accomplishments may be gained, the casualties on our side will also increase exponentially. If we can force a surrender without fighting, there will be no heads to share among the Soldiers. If we directly attack the city, we will face a desperate battle between both sides. It is expected that in the scramble for credit in breaking the city, the slaughter of the defending troops and civilians will occur.
As the saying goes, if the people do not fear death, how can they fear dying? The phrase "unity makes strength" has its origins. It has now almost evolved into a vicious cycle that seems increasingly unsolvable. For the citizens within the city, since fighting leads to death and not fighting also leads to death, it is only natural for them to help defend alongside the soldiers.
“General Chen! Do you think I should handle it this way?”
Chen Cheng quickly stood up and said, “I dare not! Isn’t it you who has come here?”
Upon hearing this, Luzi suddenly realized. Indeed, those in power can be blinded by their position! He then said, “Starting tomorrow, you will stay by my side.”
“Understood!”
After a long journey, the siege Army arrived at Earthen City. Seeing the Great Banner fluttering atop the walls, they were already on high alert. Since Bai Qi's reputation spread far and wide, no generals from Korea had come out to greet the enemy anymore. It was not worth losing what little defending troops they had right away. Knowing that coming out would lead to death, it was better to conserve all their strength to defend the city. As long as they could hold out until Reinforcements arrived, there was still hope for survival. This time was no exception; Luzi did not see any troops rushing out through the open city gates. The five thousand Soldiers did not feel anything amiss; instead, they were all focused on exerting themselves against the walls.
Luzi noticed an elderly man atop the city tower wearing a helmet and armor; he knew this person must be in charge of defending this city. He signaled Chen Cheng to go over and speak in hopes of resolving matters peacefully.
Chen Cheng tightened his grip on the reins and led several soldiers to stand outside the city gate. “I am Chen Cheng, vanguard officer of Qin Army! State your names from atop the wall! We come under Royal Decree to reclaim this city. We have no intention of slaughtering; we only wish for a peaceful resolution. Those who wish to stay may remain; those who do not may withdraw through East City Gate. Our army will not obstruct you!”
The Old General standing at the gate with a long beard asked, “Are you troops of Bai Qi?”
“That is correct!”
The Old General snorted coldly. "Then there's nothing more to say! Go back and tell your General Bai to prepare for a fight to the death!"
Chen Cheng clearly did not expect the stubborn old man above to agree. He loudly told the soldiers and civilians defending the city not to engage in meaningless actions. If they retreated now, it would still be possible; once the battle officially began, escaping would be as difficult as ascending to heaven!
The soldiers hiding behind the battlements had just seen a large group of Armed Personnel appear on the slope not far away, forming what looked like an endless military formation. They suppressed the urge to turn and flee, encouraging each other that holding their ground was their only hope of survival. However, they had just heard someone shout from below the city that they could leave through the East City Gate. Could it be true? They looked at each other, hoping for a clear answer but finding none, so they turned their attention back to their bows and arrows, no longer hesitating.
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