Chapter 270 Besieged on four sides
Chapter 270 Besieged on four sides
A dense haze enveloped the devastated battlefield, and the air was filled with a pungent smell of blood mixed with a burnt smell, which was nauseating.
Zhong Rong and Lin Zichen stood on the lookout tower of the camp, their brows furrowed with solemn expressions, concentrating on observing the every move of the Chu army not far away.
Although the Chu army was in a desperate situation, they still put up a stubborn resistance. The brutal and fierce fighting over the past few days had exhausted them both physically and mentally. Their eyes were filled with fatigue and bloodshot, and their originally resolute faces had become haggard.
Just as they were filled with worry and racking their brains to think of a good strategy to defeat the enemy, a soldier rushed over in a panic, panting and incoherently reporting: "General, His Majesty has come to support us with food and supplies!"
When the two heard this, they were both stunned, and a look of disbelief and surprise flashed in their eyes.
They had thought that at this critical moment, reinforcements and food would be out of reach, but they had never expected that His Majesty would arrive in time at this critical moment.
The two of them hurried out of the tent to greet them. They saw Yun Se, dressed in a bright red phoenix robe and a black cape, riding a majestic and tall horse, leading the grain transport team slowly and majestically.
The soldiers in the team were all in high spirits, pushing carts loaded with food and fodder with firm steps, and they stood out particularly on this desolate and silent battlefield.
Zhong Rong and Lin Zichen exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise and excitement. They quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and saluted in a loud and respectful voice, "Your Majesty! Thank you for your support!"
Yun Se dismounted and strode quickly to the two men. He raised his hand to signal them to stand up, his eyes filled with concern and anxiety. He asked directly, "How is the battle going?"
Lin Zichen straightened up, his back straight, his tone filled with irrepressible excitement and confidence, and he couldn't wait to answer first: "Your Majesty, you don't know that a few days ago, a sudden rainstorm triggered a fierce mountain flood. Most of the Chu army was swept up in it, suffering heavy losses, with more than half of them killed or wounded.
Their camp was also washed away by the mountain torrents and was in a mess. Now they have run out of food and supplies, and their morale is low. They are just making a last-ditch effort.
Zhong Rong nodded slightly and added, "Indeed, the Chu army is now at the end of its strength and cannot withstand a single blow."
Unable to contain his excitement, Lin Zichen stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and with a firm expression, pleaded with Yun Se, "Since that's the case, our army is strong and well-stocked with food and fodder. This is the perfect opportunity. I beg Your Majesty to allow us to seize this opportunity to launch a frontal attack, annihilate the Chu army in one fell swoop, and put an end to this war once and for all."
However, Zhong Rong was cautious by nature. She shook her head slightly, a hint of worry and deep thought in her eyes, and said slowly, "We must not attack rashly. Although the Chu army has suffered heavy losses, it is still a well-trained army. As the saying goes, even a trapped beast will still fight.
If our army launches a frontal attack, it will inevitably cause unnecessary casualties.
In my opinion, we can adopt a siege strategy, cut off their food supply, and force them to surrender voluntarily out of hunger and despair.
This way, we can reduce our losses and ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Yun Se listened quietly to the two people's opinions, his eyes scanning back and forth between them, and he fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he slowly shook his head, his eyes flashing with wisdom and confidence. He said calmly, "Your strategies are all good, but I have a better idea. Ask the soldiers and nearby villages if anyone knows how to play Chu music. Let them sing Chu songs to undermine the Chu army's fighting spirit."
Now that the Chu army is in a foreign land and has suffered such a heavy blow, their homesickness must be strong. This Chu song may have an unexpected effect."
When Yun Se finished speaking, everyone was stunned at first, and then their eyes lit up with a look of sudden enlightenment.
Lin Zichen's furrowed brow instantly relaxed, a look of admiration on his face. He clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, this strategy is truly brilliant! The Chu army's morale is already low. Once the Chu songs sound, homesickness will surge in their hearts, and their morale will surely be in chaos. Then we'll be able to win effortlessly!"
The generals around also nodded, with smiles on their faces, and talked among themselves.
Zhong Rong's eyes were filled with respect and admiration, and he said in a sincere and respectful voice, "Your Majesty is wise! Once this plan is implemented, the Chu army will undoubtedly be defeated."
Yun Se nodded slightly, a relieved smile on her face.
She looked around, her eyes firm and powerful, and said, "There is no time to lose. You must make arrangements immediately. Make sure to find someone who can play the Chu music as soon as possible."
Soon, the soldiers found several musicians who were proficient in Chu music in a nearby village. They quickly gathered together and played the melodious and sad Chu songs not far from the Chu army's temporary camp.
The familiar melody floated in the night sky, weeping and complaining, as if telling the Chu army soldiers' longing for their hometown and concern for their loved ones.
In the Chu army, when the soldiers heard this familiar song, their originally low morale instantly fell to the bottom.
They thought of their parents, wives and children far away, and the green mountains and clear waters of their hometown, and the despair and sadness in their hearts surged like a tide.
Many soldiers began to wipe away their tears secretly, and some even put down their weapons and wanted to escape from this cruel battlefield.
Xiang Xiao looked at the demoralized soldiers, feeling helpless, and shouted, "All of you surrender! You can survive if you surrender!"
More than half of the Chu army had been killed or wounded. Even if he could lead the remaining troops to break through, he would not be able to explain to the King of Chu. What awaited him would surely be severe punishment, or even death.
In this desperate atmosphere, Xiang Xiao made a difficult decision. He came to the front of the tent alone, holding his sword, looked up to the sky and sighed: "God has doomed me!"
Then, without hesitation, he swung his sword and committed suicide. Blood gushed out from his neck like a fountain, splashing onto the ground, instantly dyeing the surrounding land a shocking red.
When the Yun soldiers discovered Xiang Xiao's body, they couldn't help but stop, with expressions of shock and admiration on their faces, and they couldn't help but be impressed by his integrity.
Zhong Rong also walked over quickly. When she saw Xiang Xiao's body, she frowned slightly, a trace of regret and admiration in her eyes. She slowly walked to Xiang Xiao's body and stared at it silently for a while. He was a worthy opponent.
Zhong Rong sighed deeply and said with emotion, "General Xiang is a man of great integrity. Although he was an enemy general, he is still admirable. Leave his body intact. Any of you soldiers who find him, follow me and you will all be rewarded!"
This war, which lasted for many days, finally ended with the Yun State capturing 50,000 Chu troops amid the lingering sound of Chu songs.
met free