Due to concerns about the progress of the negotiations, Luzi and others remained on the city wall without descending. They watched helplessly as time passed by, with no signs of movement from the Zhao Army's position across from them.
The garrison of Wild King City was aware that the general had left the city, and at this moment, Dong Qing had become the backbone for all the military and civilians in the city. Half an hour passed in anxious anticipation, with whispers spreading like a plague.
Negotiations were certainly a good thing, as there was still room for discussion. However, with the general leaving the city, wasn't that equivalent to handing over control? If the Zhao People brought the general back demanding that the soldiers surrender the city, morale would instantly collapse!
After a discussion among several generals on the city wall and Kuto, they decided to approach Luzi together. After greeting him respectfully, they suggested that General Lu take full command of Wild King City's defense from now on. Doctor Dong had mentioned more than once that the overall situation must be prioritized, and this so-called overall situation meant that the city gates must never be opened for any reason. The only outcome for the Zhao Army wanting to enter the city was that all defenders inside would perish.
Of course, showing determination was necessary; it was an essential condition for ultimately holding Wild King City. Luzi signaled for everyone to rise and noticed they were all in General's Uniforms. "Gentlemen, you may have misunderstood! I am merely a figurehead general, completely just a literary person in training. If... I mean if, I hope we can still follow the old rules and let the highest official in the city handle this matter."
Upon hearing this, several generals exchanged glances. They then clasped their fists and bowed, indicating that at this moment, General Lu held the highest official position in the city. If there were no further matters, they requested immediate preparation for the next defensive plan. In case of any unexpected events later on, it would prevent any disconnection in defense due to inadequate preparation.
Luzi and others had no doubts about this election and hurriedly looked down at their own armor. At such a young age, they clearly wore Centurion Armor! How could they suddenly become the highest officer in Wild King City?
"Gentlemen! I reiterate my previous statement! Who among you is currently holding the highest official position here?"
Li Xin couldn't help but remind him as he saw Luzi glaring while speaking nonsense: "General! The highest official position in Wild King City right now is you!"
"Is it really!?" Luzi looked up questioningly, and several generals nodded in agreement almost simultaneously. Upon receiving this answer, Luzi immediately felt distressed. Oh no! This is a big problem!
He didn't want to take over; he just knew he wasn't cut out for it. During the first large-scale positional battle in Shangdang, it was Meng Wu who commanded. Even during subsequent battles, although decisive victories were ultimately achieved, it was because Meng Wu and Wang Jian were always by his side. If either of those two were present in Wild King City now, they could lead the city's defense.
"Please don’t laugh at me, gentlemen; I truly..."
Li Xin heard Luzi trying to show weakness in public and quickly coughed twice to remind him that he was talking too much. If Dong Qing were to encounter trouble, the morale of the Qin Army within the city would surely waver. The ability of every soldier to fight until the end depended entirely on their unwavering belief in victory. "General! Please stop being so humble and cautious. Whether we survive this battle depends entirely on your command."
Understanding the intent behind these words, Luzi nodded in acknowledgment that their city defenses were unbreakable. As long as everyone could hold out until this afternoon, they would have a chance to witness a moment of history. Since that was the plan, he immediately went back to gather people to ascend the city walls!
Sworn to live or die with this city! Even if it meant fighting until the last soldier!
The generals initially intended to hear specific steps for battle preparations, not philosophical speeches. They thought this was just an opening remark from the general, but after waiting for a while, they heard nothing further.
Fortunately, they understood that this was not about surrendering the city for a temporary reprieve; a heavy weight finally lifted from their hearts. They had already resolved to sacrifice themselves for their country, so they would each go prepare accordingly. Just as they were about to return to their posts, they heard shouts from below the city.
"Listen up, people above! Your general is unqualified!"
Li Xin leaned over the battlements and looked down at the Messenger. "Shut your mouth! Go back and tell your master! If General Dong is unqualified, then we have no qualifications at all!"
The Messenger didn't care about the fierce gazes from the city wall and couldn't help but grin at such a retort. "We will give you one minute to prepare. If you don't send someone out within that time, our army will officially launch a full assault in one minute!"
Are you done yet!? What about the highest Officer! Is there one? This general is just an acting one; right now, I am the highest! Luzi was also feeling ruthless at this moment and shouted loudly down to them: "You shameless Scoundrels who betray your own! Let our general return to the city; we will decide who will negotiate with you afterward!"
The Messenger clearly had no intention of backing down and grew furious when he saw that those on the city tower refused to acknowledge him. "Our general has spared you because he believes in mercy from heaven; that's why he halted the siege and gave you a chance. Be sensible! Hurry up and notify your Grand Commander to come out!"
Hearing his name mentioned directly, Ji Xi quickly nudged Luzi for a private word. "General! Since they want the Grand Commander, let me disguise myself and go instead. If I can bring back General Dong, it would be worth it."
If at first Luzi hadn't fully grasped what was happening, he now sensed something was off. Hearing that Ji Xi wanted to sacrifice himself to exchange for a hostage made him realize this could lead to a one-way outcome. If the Grand Commander didn't go, there was still hope for Doctor Dong. But if he did go, both of them would likely become sacrifices.
"Forget it! We can't fall for this trick anymore! These Scoundrels are just trying to use the opportunity of negotiation to lure our Officers out of the city one by one!"
Luzi and the others had no prestige in the Military; the little capital they had was only known to the frontline combat troops. At this moment, being supported by everyone was merely due to the face of the Grand Commander. As for friendship, that was even less to speak of; they had only been here a few days!
Kuto and Fan Chenglong sensed Luzi's hesitation and immediately felt disdain. Nothing was happening here, yet ever since you plague-bringers arrived, nothing but bad luck has followed. Now, when it’s time for us to step up for the Qin State, you’re making excuses and dragging your feet. You’re truly embarrassing the Qin Army!
Seeing the two still whispering to each other, he stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen! To buy time for this city, the General is risking his life. How can you hesitate here? If we can exchange for the General as planned, I believe Brother Ji will also be remembered for eternity."
What kind of lower-ranking officer speaks like this to a superior!? They didn’t even use honorifics! With the tiger away, a monkey jumps out!?
Li Xin supported Sword and snorted coldly. "You dare! How to handle this matter is naturally up to General Lu!"
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