Upon learning that the Han army in Linshan City numbered less than 10,000, Sakqi immediately ordered his army to march hastily.

He wasn't entirely without doubt about the veracity of Morrel's words.

Even a fool knows that in a war between two armies, if either army suffers more than 20% casualties, it is already close to collapse. It is impossible for one side to be completely wiped out and the other side to suffer more than 70% casualties.

In any case, Sakhqi had never heard of any unit that could fight to the death and fight to the last man.

Although he didn't quite believe Morrel's fabricated story, Sakqi was certain of one thing: the number of Han troops in Linshan City was not large, perhaps really less than 10,000.

If he could lead his army to Linshan City and annihilate the Han army, then all the predicaments he faced would be easily resolved.

Therefore, he didn't bother to verify the truth of Morrel's words, but instead urged the team to hurry towards Linshan City.

Two days later, just as Sakqi led his army to a place fifty miles north of Linshan, Huang Gai, Ling Cao and other generals led 30,000 sailors to escort a large amount of military equipment and supplies to Linshan City.

"Haha, General Cheng is indeed amazing! He wiped out 30,000 enemy troops with only 10,000 men and even built a Jingguan (a mound of corpses). If this news were to reach the Han Dynasty, it would surely be known far and wide!"

Looking at the enormous mound of Jingguan in the north of the city, Huang Gai and the other generals showered Cheng Pu with praise.

Cheng Pu's victory not only demonstrated the might of the Han army, but also showed the world that the Imperial Navy was invincible not only at sea, but also on land.

Therefore, as members of the Imperial Navy, they were naturally very happy.

"You flatter me, gentlemen. Our victory was entirely due to the bravery of our soldiers. As for the mound of corpses... that was created by persecuted Parthian people, and it has nothing to do with our army..."

Faced with everyone's praise, Cheng Pu humbly explained the Jingguan incident with a smile.

"Haha. Yes, yes, we misspoke!"

Upon hearing Cheng Pu's explanation, Huang Gai and the others couldn't help but laugh.

After laughing, Huang Gai said, "By the way, General Cheng, before we set off, the Chu envoy gave us instructions that the 30,000 sailors and guards were left in Parthia because of our plan."

Therefore, the Chu envoy intends to include them in the battle formation for future rewards, and would like to hear your opinion!

Cheng Pu nodded: "Envoy Chu's arrangement is correct. These sailors and guards have stayed here to risk their lives for the Han Dynasty, and they deserve to be given a proper title!"

Huang Gai chimed in, "In that case, let's jointly submit a memorial to the throne, temporarily incorporating them into the naval escort force to fight alongside our army. Once His Majesty's decree arrives, we will reorganize them into a formal force!"

Cheng Pu nodded: "Okay! Let's do it that way!"

Subsequently, Huang Gai and the other generals informed the sailors and guards of the results of their discussion.

When they learned that they had been assigned to the naval escort force and might become official members of the Han army in the future, the sailors cheered.

Although these sailors and guards were all free-spirited adventurers who sought freedom, their so-called freedom was insignificant compared to conquering overseas.

Subsequently, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and others began to reorganize the 30,000 sailors and guards, and officially granted the unit a temporary designation and military flag.

While everyone in the city was busy, a scout arrived in the city with information about the movements of the Sakqi army.

The people in the city remained calm and composed in the face of the arrival of Sakqi's 150,000-strong army, showing no signs of tension or panic.

Currently, Linshan City has over 70,000 troops, including naval soldiers, newly reorganized guards, and Han troops. Moreover, it has ample military equipment and supplies, so defending the city is not a problem at all.

Furthermore, all the people within a hundred miles of Linshan City have already been relocated. Without supplies, the Sakqi army will soon collapse on its own, so there is nothing to worry about.

...

November 2nd, the ninth year of Jianning.

Sakqi led an army of 150,000 men and, after a long journey, finally arrived outside Linshan City at noon on that day.

The first thing that caught Sakqi's eye was the enormous mound of Jingguan (a type of ancient Chinese statue) outside Linshan City, directly facing them.

Looking at the graves piled with nearly 30,000 heads in front of them, the Parthian soldiers behind Sakhqi felt a chill run down their spines.

In front of the Jingguan (a mound of corpses), there is a wooden plaque that not only records the various crimes committed by Sakhqi's army along the way, but also expresses the determination of the Parthian people to fight them to the death.

"These damned bastards, once the city falls, we'll slaughter them all..."

Upon learning that the mound of corpses before him was actually built by those lowly people, Sakqi's face immediately contorted in disgust.

In Saksi's view, all the obstacles he had encountered along the way were caused by those lowly people, and now that they were openly declaring war on him, how could he not be angry?

Meanwhile, under Cheng Pu's organization, naval soldiers and 35,000 Han troops also climbed the city walls, while Huang Gai, Ling Cao and others led 30,000 guards as reserves, ready to provide support at any time.

"Phew, it seems the Han army really doesn't have many men!"

Seeing the Han soldiers mingling with the young men on the city wall, Sakqi couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Then, Sakki looked at the mound of corpses and said angrily, "Bring back the remains of the soldiers!!"

"yes!"

An officer agreed and then led 10,000 Parthian soldiers forward to dismantle the mound of skulls.

Kemolai stepped forward respectfully and said, "General Cheng, should we send men out of the city to launch a counterattack?"

Cheng Pu waved his hand: "No need. What we need to do now is defend the city. No matter what the enemy does, we must not make any moves!"

"Yes, General!"

Kemolai agreed and then directed the able-bodied men of the Han vassal army to continue their work on defending the city.

Before long, the Parthian soldiers had completely demolished the mound of skulls. Sakqi, who was outside the city, saw that the Han army on the city wall had not made any move and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He originally planned to use the Parthian soldiers who dismantled the Jingguan (a mound of skulls) as bait to lure the Han army out of the city to attack. As soon as the Han army came out of the city, he would immediately command his army to rush up and surround and kill them. However, the Han army had no intention of coming out of the city.

At this point, the only option left is to forcefully attack the city.

After ordering the soldiers' heads to be buried, Sakki immediately ordered the army to retreat ten miles and set up camp to rest.

Nothing happened that night.

Early the next morning, Saqqchi led his army to the north of Linshan.