Chapter 322 Public Opinion War
It turned out that Chang Zizai and others on the front line had already begun attacking the city.
After the shell was fired, flames flew everywhere, the sound was like thunder, smoke and dust filled the air, and it instantly hit the city wall several miles away.
Immediately afterwards, there was a "crash" sound, the city wall collapsed, the earth shook, and accompanied by bursts of screams, the city wall slowly fell down like a domino, splashing dust all over the ground.
The soldiers of Jinzhou Prefecture cheered.
Especially the soldiers who had never seen the power of firearms, all of them widened their eyes at this moment, as if they were unwilling to let go of everything in front of them.
Not to mention the soldiers, even the close ministers around Xu Zhenying's eyes jumped and subconsciously held the railing of Xu Zhenying's carriage.
Zhou Houfang clutched his chest, his face pale. He stared blankly at the huge cloud of dust before him and asked, "Is this the power of a firearm?"
Old Lin was so scared that he took several steps back until he landed in front of Zhao Qiaonian. He still did not forget to hold Zhao Qiaonian's hand tightly.
Both of them were pale and they supported each other to barely stand firm, not being frightened by what they saw.
Elder Lin murmured, "I've heard about the incredible power of this firearm, but now that I've seen it with my own eyes, words can't even begin to describe it."
Zhao Qiaonian listened to the screams coming from the other side and saw that the city wall had been pierced, with two large holes on it. Countless people fell from the wall and were then crushed to death by rocks. He quickly regained his composure, but only one question concerned him, "Is the general defending the city still alive?"
Old Lin's face turned pale. He and Wang Xinde had some friendship. He had even been his grandson's teacher for a year.
At this moment, he felt a little sorry and said, "I just saw some people being blown into the air, and others being stoned to death. Wang Xinde didn't listen to our advice, and he was in the middle of the city wall. I'm afraid he can't escape death."
Zhang Wanjun saw that Mr. Lin looked uncomfortable, so she said considerately, "Mr. Lin, war is so cruel and bloody. Why don't you go to the rear and rest for a while?"
But Elder Lin looked her up and down, and said with a rather unconvinced tone, "You little girl dared to rush forward, so why should an old man like me not dare?"
Zhang Wanjun smiled helplessly, "Mr. Lin, we younger generations are also concerned about you. There are so many unsightly corpses on the battlefield. We have all rolled among the corpses and seen broken arms, hands, and heads. I remember when we fought in Fancheng, I hid in a pile of corpses for a whole day and night."
Old Lin was stunned when he saw Zhang Wanjun's sparkling eyes.
Zhang Wanjun said this with a smile on her face, and she looked proud when she mentioned these things.
But looking at her childish face, Old Lin remembered that this girl was about the same age as his granddaughter, and his granddaughter had just moved to Jinzhou Prefecture, and currently only knew how to indulge in romantic affairs and feel nostalgic for the passing of spring and autumn.
Mr. Lin was speechless and didn't know what to say for a moment.
While everyone was still wondering about the people on the city wall, Xu Zhenying had already taken a quick look with a clearer telescope and said, "Wang Xinde and Deng Quanan are really lucky. Fortunately, the soldiers beside them pulled them away in time, otherwise they would have been killed on the spot! Go and shout, don't let Chang Zizai go. Jiang Yongkang, you go-"
Chang Zizai was riding on his horse, holding a trumpet and eager to try, but was suddenly stopped by Jiang Yongkang, "Chang Zizai, you stay here!"
After saying that, Jiang Yongkang snatched the loudspeaker from his hand and rode out.
Chang Zizai was full of confusion, wondering why he, a general on the front line, was beaten after only half an hour.
"What's wrong? Didn't His Highness tell me to go to the front and persuade them to surrender? Why is Minister Jiang trying to take credit for it?"
The soldiers around him also wondered, "Could it be that General Xiao Chang's scolding just now was wrong?"
Chang Zizai suddenly realized, "I understand, Your Highness must have thought that I didn't scold you harshly enough! Swearing is indeed an art—"
Jiang Yongkang rode forward on his white horse, roughly estimating the distance to ensure the archers on the city wall wouldn't shoot him. He waved his hand, then raised his trumpet and shouted in the distant dust, "You've seen the power of this firearm! Our Highness doesn't want to kill innocent people, so we'll give you three days to surrender. As long as you surrender, we won't kill a single person, from top to bottom! Think about it! After three days, if you agree to surrender, raise the white flag on the city wall!"
"Damn it! Damn, the firearms of Jinzhou Prefecture are truly powerful! No wonder even Zhou Heng fell into their hands!"
At the critical moment, Wang Xinde was pulled to the side by his confidant, and as soon as he moved away, the city wall behind him was pierced by firearms. He had a tinnitus and even dizziness, and he almost couldn't stand up on the spot.
If a few of his trusted aides had not dragged him to the side, he would have been blown away by the firearms just like the soldiers who had just stood with him!
"Master Deng! Master Deng!"
In the midst of chaos, Wang Xinde did not forget to call Deng Quanan.
After a long time, a hoarse voice was heard in the smoke, "General Wang, I'm fine——"
There was no problem, but Deng Quanan was a beat too slow to react and almost fell down with the collapsed city wall.
I just sprained my ankle and can't walk at the moment.
Looking at the shattered ruins and crumbling city wall before him, Deng Quan'an felt deeply distressed. He burst into tears, "My Great Zhou Dynasty has lasted for over three hundred years, but today it is falling into the hands of a woman! I, Deng Quan'an, have been deeply blessed by the Emperor, and I wish to serve my country throughout my life! If Fengxiang Prefecture cannot be defended today, I will jump from this city wall and sacrifice my life for my country!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the soldiers shouting again: "Hurry, hurry, they are coming again!"
Wang Xinde stood up immediately, but saw dozens of archers riding on horses suddenly appear from the other side and disperse rapidly from both sides.
"What kind of fighting style are they using?!"
Deng Quanan limped over, supported by the soldiers, and said, "Could it be that they're going to attack from both sides? Didn't they say they'd give us three days to think it over? It turns out the people in Jinzhou Prefecture are all untrustworthy villains!"
"Sir, no, they are not going to attack the city! What are they going to do?"
However, the city wall of Fengxiang Prefecture was square, with only two gates, and only lookout patrols in the middle. Moreover, the city wall stretched for several miles, so they could not catch up at all and could only watch these Jinzhou Prefecture soldiers ride around the city on horseback.
"Sir! They are shooting arrows into the city!"
"What?!" Wang Xinde wanted to catch up with them immediately, "What on earth are they going to do?"
Sure enough, the next moment, dozens of soldiers from Jinzhou Prefecture began to draw their bows and shoot arrows. There was a "whoosh" sound, and the arrows flew through the air, rising into the sky, and then fell into the city.
Either on the ground, on the wall, or in the courtyard.
"Be careful, people from Jinzhou Prefecture are shooting arrows from the dark—"
Someone inside the city shouted, and the people dodged. Arrows rained down like rain, dense and dense. The people could only scream and run away. Then they heard a scream. Everyone thought that the person was unlucky, but there was no blood and flesh. The person pulled out the arrow with his backhand and said in surprise, "Huh, there is no arrowhead."
When the rain of arrows stopped, everyone dared to come forward and said, "There are indeed no arrowheads."
Someone with sharp eyes said, "Hey, there seems to be a note on it!"
"Someone who can read, please read it. What's written on it——"
Someone immediately volunteered to come forward.
——The people of Jinzhou Prefecture have meat for every meal.
——Lan County adopts a new breeding method for pigs, which grow 100 kilograms in half a year and the pork price is low.
—The price of a cotton-padded jacket in Jinzhou Prefecture has dropped to two hundred coins.
——Free enrollment for children aged five and above in Jinzhou Prefecture
As the man continued to speak, more and more people gathered around him. Many of them even looked for arrows around them, and then handed them to him, asking him to read the contents of the note.
——Jinzhou Prefecture has occupied the sixteen states of the Great Zhou Dynasty, occupying two-thirds of the land in the world
——Jinzhou Prefecture’s firearms can penetrate the city walls.
Those who surrender will not be killed. Those who persuade others to surrender can be rewarded with meritorious service and five to one thousand taels of silver according to their merits.
——Follow Jinzhou Prefecture, distribute land and food! Clothes and food!
Seeing that more and more people were on the street and people kept muttering about the notes from Jinzhou Prefecture, the common people were no longer afraid and came out one after another, asking questions.
"Well, was that the firearm that caused the earth to shake just now?"
"It must be! There's a crackling sound on the city wall, it must be the firearm mentioned on the note! It seems that this firearm is indeed worthy of its reputation!"
"The people over in Jinzhou Prefecture are always up to date! They even say pork is cheap. How cheap is it?"
"I know, I know! I went to Jinzhou Prefecture last year to buy soap and ate their pork. The price isn't much cheaper. A pound of pork belly here costs 25 wen, and there it's around 15 or 16 wen. But the advantage is that it doesn't have any fishy smell at all! It even tastes a bit more delicious than mutton."
"Lan County pigs are very famous! Many of us have eaten them!"
"Old Luo, what have you eaten? Have you ever eaten it?! Around here, only the extremely expensive Tianxianglou sells Lanxian pork, and a plate of braised pig's head costs nearly one tael of silver! Where have you ever eaten it?!"
Old man Luo smacked his lips and said, "Of course I have. My son went to Lan County two years ago and brought me some pickled meat. How come I haven't eaten it before—"
One student from the academy was filled with righteous indignation. "What a bunch of fools! The enemy has reached your doorstep, yet you're still obsessed with your appetite! How foolish! They're throwing these notes specifically to shake the morale of the troops, hoping you'll join forces inside and outside to open the gates of Fengxiang Prefecture. This is all the enemy's trick—!"
Another scholar-like figure also said, "Indeed, you're a bunch of fools, no different from uncivilized beasts and dogs. How could you possibly know the meaning of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism?! Looking at each of you, you look like traitors seeking personal gain. No wonder you can't defend Fengxiang Prefecture!"
Immediately, some dissatisfied people started to argue, "You have read the books of sages for so many years, why don't you go into battle and kill the enemy?"
"Exactly! When those arrows were shot down just now, you ran faster than anyone else!"
The people below were arguing, and the people on the city wall were not idle either.
The soldiers from Jinzhou Prefecture came and went quickly. After shooting arrows, they disappeared on horseback, escaping unscathed without even giving them a chance to react.
Among the soldiers, there was a literate soldier who quietly picked up the note on the scissors and gathered with a few close brothers.
"Look, it's written here. The monthly salary for soldiers in Jinzhou Prefecture is one tael of silver!"
The others scowled, "We already knew that!"
That's true. After all, Fengxiang Prefecture is close to Xingyuan Prefecture, and they have fought each other more or less. The soldiers of Jinzhou Prefecture are all tall and strong, and it can be seen that they eat very well. They even often try to persuade them to surrender when they meet, saying that not only are the salaries in Jinzhou Prefecture high and never in arrears, but they also hold technical competitions from time to time. Those soldiers, even the female soldiers, seem to be not to be underestimated.
"I really don't know why General Wang is so stuck in the past. Let me tell you, whoever becomes emperor doesn't matter. What does it have to do with ordinary people like us? They all say they're loyal to the emperor and love their country, but my military pay is constantly in arrears, and my wife and children are almost starving to death. Why don't I see the Great Zhou Dynasty loving me?"
"You've been bewitched by that newspaper!"
"Am I wrong? The superiors put pressure on you by labeling you loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and we soldiers have to charge forward with our heads tied to our belts. They eat and drink the fine food, ordering servants around, but what about us? Old Liu, your house has been in ruins for years, and the roof hasn't been repaired yet."
The man named Lao Liu gritted his teeth and said, "Military pay is delayed again and again. I have a lame father and a blind mother at home. Medical expenses are several hundred coins a month. How can I have money to repair the house?"
"I heard that in Jinzhou Prefecture, the soldiers were all given houses!"
Several people gasped.
"really?"
"Before the war, I had a younger uncle who was a peddler. He went to Jinzhou Prefecture several times and came back rich. He told me that there was gold everywhere in Jinzhou Prefecture and you could pick it up just by bending down! He also said that being a soldier there wasn't easy, that they had to go through a lot of selection and the requirements were very strict. They said that every year there were so many people recruited, only those with a long-standing family background could be selected. Do you know why?"
Several people all looked at him.
"They're well-treated! Three meals a day, plenty of food, eat as much as you want. That's the basics. One tael of silver a month, paid on the 15th of every month, never in arrears. Plus, they have clothes all year round, and they have food and oil for the New Year and other festivals. And once they join the army, they have to learn to read and practice military tactics. There are monthly assessments, and those who perform well have a chance to become generals!"
"Seriously?" This remark made everyone's heart burn with excitement. "Pay it on the 15th of every month? No delays?"
"We never default on our payments, otherwise why would anyone rush to serve as a soldier? And most importantly, if they get injured or disabled in battle, they'll be supported by the imperial court for life!"
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then someone said, "No wonder they fight like they're risking their lives! They say fully paid soldiers are incredibly loyal and brave, and it's certainly true!"
Then someone angrily said, "They say whoever feeds you is your mother. Now think about it, the Great Zhou Dynasty doesn't give us money or food, and just lets us charge forward. We're not fools! Why?! I say, we should just rebel! Let's kill General Wang and send his head to the Queen. Wouldn't that give us all the fame, wealth, and glory?"
However, some people objected: "General Wang has been very good to us! We can't be ungrateful!"
"Then instead of killing him, we can tie him up and then let the people from Jinzhou Prefecture into the city, right?"
Everyone looked at him in astonishment, "Brother Wang, are you really planning to surrender?"
The man snorted coldly, "Why should I work for the Great Zhou Dynasty? Whose life isn't life? Besides, didn't you see the power of that firearm? Xiao Lei from the next team, he was only eighteen years old, and he was blown away today, right? Now they haven't even recovered his body! We're lucky we can still discuss surrendering here! Who knows, we might end up like Xiao Lei tomorrow!"
Everyone was silent.
"Just tell me, are you willing to follow me? Let's take a few brothers and tie up General Wang and Lord Deng, then raise the white flag of surrender and welcome His Royal Highness Prince Zhao into the city—"
After a moment, someone responded, "Fuck him! The Zhou Dynasty will be over sooner or later anyway. They've already attacked us at our doorstep. The world will belong to the Xu family sooner or later! If we do it now, we can still have a future. It's better than being blown away by firearms!"
Everyone hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, "Let's do it! Why not!"
"Alright, go back today and see if there are any brothers who are still thinking of rebelling. After dark, we will take advantage of General Wang's unpreparedness and tie him up and present him to His Majesty Prince Zhao!"
However, Wang Xinde and Deng Quanan returned to the government office.
They had been holding the city wall for two whole days, and with the wall destroyed, they had already seen the difference in strength between the two sides. If the people of Jinzhou Prefecture really wanted to attack the city, it would only take a thought.
At the moment, maybe they really should be given three days to consider surrendering.
"Everyone, take a look! These are all notes we've collected from all over Jinzhou Prefecture. They're shooting arrows today to shake the morale of our Fengxiang Prefecture troops! Now the whole city is in turmoil. The people know that Jinzhou Prefecture said surrender will not be killed. Our people's morale has been shaken! This war is pointless!"
The person who spoke was Deng Quanan. He was always polite, but now he was pushed into a corner and was swearing.
Wang Xinde said, "Public opinion warfare, psychological warfare, these are the kinds of schemes the people in Jinzhou Prefecture love to engage in the most."
"Who cares if it's a conspiracy or not? As long as it works, it's fine! Go out and take a look. The people of Longxiang Prefecture are just waving flags and cheering to welcome them in."
All the civil officials below had pale faces.
Some were brave enough to directly persuade him to surrender, "Master Deng, the firearms of Jinzhou Prefecture are extremely powerful. To put it bluntly, we are fish on the chopping block. The fall of the city is a matter of time. It is better to surrender now. First, it will reduce the casualties of the civilians in the city, and secondly, it will save our own lives. No matter how you calculate it, we will not lose anything!"
Deng Quan'an's face was rather grim. "Have you all forgotten that we are still wearing the official uniforms of the Great Zhou Dynasty?"
"What's the difference between the official uniforms of the Great Zhou Dynasty and those of Jinzhou Prefecture? Apart from anything else, Her Highness Prince Zhao is universally admired by her subjects. Over the years, she's promoted education, expanded the population, reformed the military, and taken in refugees. Each and every one of these actions demonstrates her wisdom as an emperor. Lord Deng, don't you know that the people of Jinzhou Prefecture speak of Her Highness Prince Zhao in such high praise? She now controls thirteen states and commands the support of millions of people. Meanwhile, the Great Zhou is declining and rotten. How can we possibly face such an enemy?"
Someone else then advised, "Sir, what a hero Zhou Heng was! He ultimately met his end at the hands of Xu Zhenying. This clearly shows that His Highness Prince Zhao is destined to rule. If we surrender, perhaps we can still save the lives of the people of the city. If we don't, then the weapons can still be brought in. After all, the fact that we can still discuss matters now, and His Highness Prince Zhao has given us three days to consider, isn't that a testament to his love for the people?"
Wang Xinde said, "You bunch of scholars are so ignorant! This is all just the enemy's conspiracy! Let me ask you, why are there five iron weapons over there, but in the end only one is firing?"
Everyone looked at each other in confusion.
In this chaotic situation, who would pay attention to a few gunshots?
"Hmph, I think it's obvious that they're outnumbered and setting up a false formation. Maybe they only have one firearm available! If we can hold out for a few more days, once the imperial reinforcements arrive, why can't we fight them?!"
Deng Quanan sighed and looked at the silent crowd. "Now you all know why she gave us three days, right? It's not that she's kind! She's really keeping track of the time."
"On time?"
"In three days at most, the imperial court's reinforcements will arrive. She wants to capture Fengxiang Prefecture before the reinforcements arrive."
Everyone in the room was shocked. They never expected that there was such a deeper meaning in this.
But soon someone said, "But what if the court refuses to send reinforcements?"
"Yes, the troops in Bianjing are also insufficient. How can you guarantee that reinforcements will arrive?"
Deng Quan'an coldly rebuked, "Everyone, this is truly a critical moment for the Great Zhou Dynasty. Our Fengxiang Prefecture is only a few hundred miles away from Bianjing City. If reinforcements don't arrive, are we just waiting to be annihilated by the people of Jinzhou Prefecture?"
yes.
If you go further, there is only Hezhong Prefecture.
But this also meant that as long as they captured Fengxiang Prefecture, Jinzhou Prefecture could be said to be invincible and aimed at Bianjing. This also meant that if they wanted to defend Fengxiang Prefecture, it was bound to be a bloody battle!
But one official said, "General Wang, Lord Deng, it's useless to talk about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism right now. The army's morale is broken. Do you really think we can hold Fengxiang Prefecture?"
"We must defend it even if we can't!" Wang Xinde stood up, holding his sword across his face with murderous intent. "Even if it costs me my life, even if I die on the battlefield, I will never let the enemy take a single step forward."
The man stared at Wang Xinde. "Lord Wang, you are loyal, brave, and passionate. You deserve our respect. But what about the people in the city? Do they trust us? Do they want us to continue to run Fengxiang Prefecture, or do they want someone from Jinzhou Prefecture to take over?"
Wang Xinde was speechless.
He really couldn't say anything against his will.
Even though the city was dead silent and without any disturbance, for some reason he always felt that beneath the calm surface lay endless turmoil and crisis.
"Lord Wang, don't forget, when Fengxiang Prefecture and Jinzhou Prefecture were exchanging resources, the common people knew what life was like for the people in Jinzhou Prefecture. Haven't you heard the saying circulating in Fengxiang Prefecture: I'd rather be a dog of Jinzhou than a citizen of the Great Zhou—"
Wang Xinde and Deng Quanan both felt a chill in their hearts.
Looking at the officials below, they had obviously become united as one, and even seemed to have reached some kind of tacit understanding in secret.
Deng Quanan smiled grimly, "That's true. But since Xu Zhenying has given us three days, there are still two days left. You can go back and reconsider this."
"Okay, that's right, there are still two days left. Everyone go back and think about it."
An official shouted, and then everyone dispersed.
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