The candlelight was dim on the table.
With a sallow complexion and sunken eyes, Su Hong's eyes were bloodshot. He looked at Song Ke in front of him and opened his mouth several times, but still could not say a word.
Before him stood Song Ke, who had always been energetic, now with a full head of white hair and wrinkles on his face that made him look like an eighty-year-old.
In just half a month, Song Ke looked as if he had aged more than ten years.
Su Hong took a deep breath and forced a smile:
"Lord Song, the Japanese offensive has weakened these past two days."
"Linbin City, we have held it!"
"The Japanese have come from afar from Japan, but they can't get into Linbin City now. If this goes on for too long, their supplies will run out."
"If we hold out for a year or two, the Japanese will retreat on their own."
After he finished speaking, Song Ke's face did not show any joy. On the contrary, his complexion was even worse. He shook his head and said wearily:
"Those who attacked the city during this period were not even Japanese."
"General Su, you should understand."
"They... they're using up our weapons."
“Now, our long-range weapons are almost exhausted. The Japanese have been quiet these past few days, but I think they are planning a general offensive.”
Having fought on the battlefield for many years, how could Su Hong not understand this principle?
The Japanese are clearly determined to achieve great things, and a coastal city will not stop them.
But at this time, there is no room for despondency.
He then said, "Hmm, that's possible."
"However, even if we launch a general offensive, we are not without the ability to fight back."
"Now, in the city, besides us garrison soldiers, the people are eagerly joining the army. Unfortunately, they don't have enough weapons, and they don't know how to fight, so they can only use their farm tools to fight."
"For the past two weeks, I've seen them practicing killing enemies."
Upon hearing this, Song Ke's unpleasant expression softened considerably, and he even chuckled softly.
"Yes, we Dagan people are not cowards who fear death."
"In times of crisis, there will always be someone who steps forward."
"It's tough on them, as they toil every day to make a living, and now they have to face this desperate situation."
After saying this, he sighed and continued:
"Hopefully the Japanese offensive won't come too quickly. Once our reinforcements arrive, we can hold out."
Upon hearing the words "reinforcements," Su Hong's eyes dimmed.
He had sent people to ask for help a long time ago, but to this day, there has been no news.
When the reinforcements will arrive, and how many will be able to come, is all unknown.
The invasion of Japan exposed the ills of the Great Expansion Project, revealing that there were quite a few lackeys like Qian Shouyi.
There are lackeys, there are cowards who are afraid of death, and there are those who only care about their own interests and not the big picture.
The effort is like building an empty pavilion; the foundation is already rotten and on the verge of collapse.
Even if Japan hadn't invaded, given time, the country would likely have fallen apart. Japan's attack is only accelerating that process.
A large undertaking, if its foundation is flawed, will lack cohesion. Like a mountain spring, if the spring itself is dirty, the water flowing down will pollute the downstream areas.
Lord Song was determined to defend Linbin City to the death, refusing to let the Japanese take it away. He was upholding his integrity. If everyone were like him, how could the Japanese have attacked so quickly?
Having reached this point in his thoughts, Su Hong nodded and said to Song Ke:
"The people we sent out have been gone for some time now, and I think the reinforcements are on their way."
"I think they understand the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'."
"Now, let's hold this position and wait for reinforcements. Once they arrive, the Japanese will definitely not be able to break through!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Song Ke looked up at Su Hong, who lowered his head and picked up the water glass on the table.
Seeing Su Hong's evasive gaze, Song Ke sighed inwardly and said:
"I previously asked you to arrange for the people to leave the city through the south gate. How many people have left now?"
Su Hong was taken aback, then a wry smile appeared on his face:
"Very few people leave; they are all unwilling to leave."
Upon hearing this, Song Ke didn't know whether to be gratified or saddened.
After a long while, he slowly rose, walked to the door, looked at the bright moon, and murmured:
"Then come with us and stay in this city."
"As long as the city stands, the people will live on."
——
Two days later, in the early hours of the morning.
The first month of the lunar calendar has passed, and yesterday was the Lantern Festival, but the people of Linbin City had no heart to celebrate it.
The Japanese army was lurking outside the city, watching with predatory eyes. It was a matter of life and death, and no one could find peace.
Thus, the Japanese siege began in the early hours of that day!
Under the pale moonlight, the early spring morning still carried a chilly and desolate feel.
Outside the city, a massive army was rushing in. This time, unlike before, this army was extremely large, enough to frighten anyone.
But besides being frightening, it is also particularly chilling.
On the city wall, Song Ke's face was ashen, and as he looked at the enemy who was shouting battle cries, anger and grief had completely taken over his heart.
The vanguard of the attacking army was not Japanese, but that group of people!
Those were our own men, clad in armor and helmets, who were supposed to be guarding the main force!
But now they have sided with the Japanese and become their accomplices, helping them to harm their own compatriots!
The rage that surged above Song Ke's head nearly drove him mad.
Looking at these dried-up people, their faces contorted in rage, now resembling demons, he roared to the sky:
"Release the arrows!!"
"Rustling!"
The soldiers on the city wall, their faces filled with rage, fired arrows one after another!
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