Bloodstained Lin'an City

Behind the three urgent reports with red feathers lies the ceaseless wailing and smoke of war in Lin'an City throughout the night.

Lin'an, a prosperous frontier city renowned for its misty pavilions, silk, and tea, is now being torn apart by violence and fear.

At the west gate, the fighting had entered its most brutal phase.

The city gate was half-open, the heavy door panels twisted and deformed by the impact, and covered with a dense array of arrows and menacing grappling hooks.

The Northern Di cavalry, like a black tide, tried wave after wave to pour into the breach.

The soldiers defending the city were already bloodthirsty. Their armor was broken, their faces were covered in blood, and some even had severed limbs. They still used their bodies to hold the door open, using spears, swords, and even their teeth to fight the Di soldiers who tried to rush in!

"Hold on! Hold on for me! For Lin'an! For my parents and wife at home!" A captain with a full beard roared, his blunt-bladed sword slashing down a Di soldier, but he was pierced through the ribs by a spear thrust from the side. He roared and grabbed the spear shaft, charging forward and knocking the attacking Di soldier off the high city wall!

The soldiers defending the city had long since lost their organizational structure and were fighting solely out of sheer courage and the instinct to protect their homeland.

A young soldier, who looked no more than seventeen or eighteen years old, hoarsely roared out-of-tune battle cries, wielding his already dulled sword, mechanically slashing forward until several spears pierced his body simultaneously...

Beneath the city walls, the whistling of arrows piercing the air, the clanging of clashing swords, the wails of the dying, and the roars of charging warriors filled the air, with blood flowing like rivers.

After the city gates were completely breached, the city became a living hell.

The Northern Barbarians moved like ghosts through the familiar streets and alleys, setting fires everywhere and killing anyone they saw. Flames soared into the sky from the direction of the granary, red light rose everywhere, and thick black smoke resembled a ferocious giant pillar. The smell of burnt grain mixed with the odor of burning wood permeated the entire city.

That was the food ration for Lin'an and even the surrounding areas for a season, but now it has turned to ashes in the raging fire, foreshadowing an even more terrible famine.

Panic swept through the people like a plague. People were awakened from their sleep and fled their homes in a panic, not having time to take any valuables with them.

Men cried out for their wives and children, women searched for their children, and old people stumbled and fell... Screams, cries, pleas, and the roar of burning and collapsing buildings filled the air.

"Mother! Mother! Where are you!" A little girl in tattered clothes stood beside the burning ruins, crying out in vain, her face smeared with soot and tears.

"My child! Has anyone seen my child! Nannan! Nannan, where are you!" A disheveled young mother, wearing only an undergarment and barefoot, went against the flow of the chaotic fleeing crowd, frantically grabbing at every passerby whose face she couldn't make out. Her voice was shrill and heart-wrenching. Eventually, she was swept away by the crowd and disappeared into the chaotic shadows. Her cries were swallowed up by the even louder noise.

The once bustling street is now deserted; shops have been smashed open, goods looted, and the bodies of shop owners and innocent victims lie scattered about. The air is thick with the stench of blood, the smell of burning, and a nauseating atmosphere of despair.

Further away, the shouts of battle and the increasingly clear bugle calls of the Northern Di cavalry coming from the direction of the East Gate were like a death knell, reminding everyone that the worst nightmare was yet to come.

For years, the Northern Barbarian cavalry had been honing their skills, waiting for this day to arrive. Their horsemanship was superb, their movements swift as the wind. Once those fierce warriors from the grasslands completely stormed into this chaotic city, Lin'an would be doomed!

The remaining defenders fought and retreated, desperately resisting by relying on barricades and familiar alleyways. Every inch of land was fought for and stained with hot blood.

The news of General Zhao's death was a further blow, almost causing the morale of the defending troops to collapse.

…………

In the imperial court, trouble is brewing once again.

The devastating news of the fall of Lin'an was like the heaviest death knell, ringing in the hearts of every court official.

Inside the Imperial Court, the deathly silence was broken by panicked whispers and heavy breathing.

On the dragon throne, Emperor Zongzheng Hong swayed almost imperceptibly. He gripped the armrests of the throne tightly, his knuckles turning bluish-white from the excessive force.

His face was no longer ashen, but a deathly gray, his eyes sunken, as if all his energy had been drained overnight.

The blood-stained urgent report magnified in his eyes, each word transforming into a cold dagger, repeatedly stabbing his heart.

His proud empire and his prosperous and bustling city of Lin'an were ravaged right under his nose by foreign enemies brought in by his own son!

"You unfilial son! You unfilial son!! I will have him torn to pieces!!" The emperor's roar was hoarse with sobs as he slammed his fist on the dragon desk, causing the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to shake violently.

"Your Majesty, please calm down! Take care of your health!" All the civil and military officials in the hall knelt down in a clatter, their voices trembling. Many of them were soaked in sweat, and their faces were all pale.

"Calm down? How can I calm down!" The emperor suddenly stood up, his chest heaving violently, pointing to the south outside the palace, his voice hoarse.

"My cities are burning! My people are being slaughtered! My generals have died in battle! And all of this is because I raised a rebellious son who has brought disaster to the country and is worse than a beast!"

He became agitated and suddenly coughed violently, covering his mouth with his bright yellow sleeve. When he put it down, a glaring bright red stain caught everyone's eye!

"His Majesty!"

"Imperial Physician! Summon the Imperial Physician immediately!"

Chaos erupted inside the hall.

The emperor shoved aside the chief eunuch, Zhou, who was trying to help him up, and swept his fierce gaze across the crowd below: "I'm not dead yet! All of you shut up!"

The Minister of War urgently said, "Your Majesty! Lin'an is in grave danger! The west gate has fallen, and the Northern Di cavalry are pouring in! General Zhao has died for his country, and the defending army is leaderless. I fear they cannot hold out for long! We must immediately dispatch a general to lead troops to our aid!"

"Who should I send? Who is capable of going?" The emperor's gaze swept over the assembled generals below, like that of a trapped beast. Several veteran generals with deep experience were either too old or stationed at the border and could not be easily moved.

His gaze, like that of a trapped beast, swept over the assembled officials below, finally settling on the Ninth Prince, Heng Wang, Zongzheng Hengyu, whose upright posture and calm, composed expression were like still water.

Zongzheng Hengyu stepped forward steadily, his posture as upright as a pine tree. His black robe accentuated his cold and stern face, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's. He knelt down, his voice steady and powerful, instantly silencing the noise in the hall.

"Father! The Second Prince, Zongzheng Mingchen, has colluded with foreign powers, wreaking havoc on the country. His crimes are irrefutable, and he deserves to be executed! However, the most urgent matter is in Lin'an! The iron hooves of the Northern Barbarians are trampling our land and slaughtering our people. The situation is critical and there is no time to lose!"

He raised his head, his gaze intense, and looked directly at the emperor: "I beg Your Majesty to allow me to immediately lead the elite troops of the capital region to aid Lin'an! I will swiftly and decisively annihilate the rebels within the city and expel all the northern barbarians from the country, so as to appease the people!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable confidence and a decisive, ruthless air, as if the towering waves could be calmed down with a single hand if he were there.

This composure and strength made the panicked ministers feel as if they had found a pillar of support, and many military generals nodded in agreement, clearly trusting more in Prince Heng's ability to command troops.

However, just as the emperor's expression softened and he seemed to be considering it,

"Father! Your son also requests permission to go to war!"

Another voice rang out, clear yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency.

Everyone looked and saw it was none other than the eldest prince, Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran. He stepped forward to pay his respects, his face displaying just the right amount of grief and indignation.

“Father! Ninth Brother is absolutely right! When the country is in peril, every citizen has a responsibility, let alone us princes! The tragic state of Lin'an is appalling! Although I am not talented, I know that when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact! Seeing the country shattered and the people suffering, my heart is burning with grief. I wish I could fly to Lin'an immediately to fight alongside the soldiers and defend our land!”

King Zhao spoke earnestly and with great emotion, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers as he attempted to win their approval.

He continued, his tone shifting to one of profound righteousness: "My ninth brother is brave and skilled in battle, and I have always admired him. Moreover, the matter of Lin'an cannot be resolved solely by military force; it also requires pacifying the people and restoring order. I am willing to share your burdens and help my ninth brother! I humbly request that you allow me to accompany you. I will do my utmost to lead the charge and will certainly not fail in my mission!"

King Zhao's words were well-chosen, expressing his loyalty and courage, implying that he was not only capable of fighting but also of handling complex post-war matters, and even revealing a hint that he did not want to be subordinate to King Heng.

As soon as he finished speaking, the court erupted in chaos.

"Your Majesty! No!" Minister of Revenue Li immediately stepped forward. "The situation in Lin'an is critical, and only a renowned general can stabilize it! His Highness Prince Heng has distinguished himself in battle and his fame is widespread. With His Highness in command, he will surely deter the villains and quickly quell the chaos!"

Lord Li continued, "Although His Highness Prince Zhao is willing, he is, after all, inexperienced in battle, and there is a risk of mishap!"

Although the words were euphemistic, the meaning was clear: King Zhao, your presence would only cause trouble.

Another minister countered, "Lord Li, you are mistaken! His Highness Prince Zhao is benevolent and intelligent, well-versed in poetry and military strategy, and is at the perfect time to gain experience! How can he be denied an opportunity simply because he has not yet experienced it? Now is the time when the country needs capable people, and it is the right time to let the princes serve the country! Moreover, the fact that the two princes are going to war together will better demonstrate the royal family's determination and boost the morale of the army and the people!"

"Two kings going to war? How can there be two masters in the army? Multiple orders from different sources are a major taboo in military strategy!"

"Wouldn't it be better if they could support each other from both sides, attacking separately and then joining forces?"

"Nonsense! The battlefield is ever-changing; how can we launch a coordinated attack? We need unified command!"

"Then let King Heng be the commander-in-chief, and King Zhao be the supervisor or deputy commander-in-chief. This way, he can both learn and supervise!"

"A military supervisor? Wouldn't that be a hindrance?"

The ministers, some supporting King Heng, some supporting King Zhao, some neutral, and some worried, immediately erupted into a noisy argument.

Some said that King Heng alone was enough, some said that King Zhao should be given a chance, some worried that the two kings would not get along and cause trouble, and some suggested splitting the army into two groups...

The imperial court was in chaos, like a marketplace, with various opinions arguing endlessly and no one able to convince anyone else.

Emperor Zongzheng Hong looked at the arguing ministers below, then at his two sons kneeling on the ground, one calm and resolute, the other pleading anxiously. His temples throbbed, and his face grew even more grim.

How could he not know that Lao Jiu was the most suitable candidate?

However, King Zhao's words, as well as the remarks of those ministers who supported him, were not entirely without merit.

Zongzheng Zhaoran has always lacked military achievements and experience, and this may be an opportunity.

Moreover, the court is currently in turmoil due to the matter of Prince Ming. If all military power were to be concentrated in the hands of Prince Heng at this time...

The emperor's paranoia and penchant for weighing power began to take hold again.

He needed to quell the rebellion in Lin'an as soon as possible, balance the power among the princes, and did not want any of his sons to use this opportunity to expand their power excessively.

The emperor on the dragon throne fell into a long silence, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrests of the throne. His gaze shifted back and forth between the arguing ministers and his two sons kneeling in silence, weighing the pros and cons in his mind, caught in a battle between heaven and man.

Prince Heng, Zongzheng Hengyu, knelt upright, his face cold, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him. He simply looked firmly at his father, awaiting the final decision. He knew all too well how much blood and tears would be paid for every moment of delay in Lin'an.

Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran, appeared somewhat agitated. He tried to remain calm, but his eyes kept glancing at his father and then at Prince Heng, his palms slightly sweaty.

He desperately needs this opportunity; military merit is the asset he currently lacks most.

Finally, the emperor coughed heavily, silencing all the arguing.

The hall fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on the dragon throne.

The emperor's face showed extreme exhaustion and a helpless resolve. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Enough! Stop arguing!"

His gaze first fell on Prince Heng: "Prince Heng."

"Your subject is here."

"I trust you to be brave and skilled in battle, knowledgeable in military affairs, and decisive in handling emergencies. No one but you is capable of quelling the rebellion and repelling the enemy."

Then, he looked at King Zhao with a complicated expression: "King Zhao."

"Your subject is here!" King Zhao's heart tightened.

"You are concerned about the country and its people, and you volunteered for the mission. Your ambition is commendable. I will give you this opportunity to join the army, gain experience, understand the people's conditions, and pacify the local areas."

Finally, he looked at his ministers and announced his final decision, word by word, with an unquestionable authority.

"My mind is made up! I hereby appoint Prince Heng, Zongzheng Hengyu, as the Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition, in charge of all military and political affairs in Lin'an!"

"King Zhaozongzheng is clearly appointed as the deputy commander-in-chief, advising on military affairs, and leading half of the troops to be responsible for post-war pacification and reorganization!"

"Immediately dispatch 30,000 elite troops from the capital region camp, with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue providing full cooperation, and set off for Lin'an day and night!"

"I demand that you two brothers work together to overcome these difficult times! Suppress the rebellion, drive out the Northern Barbarians, and restore Lin'an! If you dare to prioritize personal matters over public duty, hinder each other, or delay military operations, I will not let you off lightly!"

This decision, seemingly a compromise, is in fact full of the emperor's way of maintaining checks and balances.

He appointed the most capable King Heng as commander-in-chief, ensuring unified command, and also included King Zhao, who was eager to make a name for himself, giving him a title and an opportunity to gain experience. At the same time, he took away half of King Heng's troops, implying a surveillance and decentralization of power.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Zongzheng Hengyu kowtowed, his voice steady, devoid of joy or sorrow. He had obtained the supreme command, which was of utmost importance.

"Your subject obeys the decree! Thank you, Father Emperor!" Zongzheng Zhaoran immediately kowtowed, his voice suppressing a hint of excitement. He had finally been allocated half of the military power, taking the most crucial step.

The two brothers received the imperial decree at the same time, their eyes briefly meeting in the air. The invisible smoke of battle seemed to have spread from the battlefield of Lin'an to the imperial court.