Zhao Hao slept until almost noon and immediately asked about the battle situation outside.
The guard shook his head and said, "Last night the Marshal led 20,000 troops out of the city, and there is no news yet."
Zhao Hao frowned and asked, "What are the movements of the Shu army?"
The guard said, "My Lord, the Shu army also began to mobilize before dawn. It looks like there are 20,000 troops, 10,000 cavalry in the front and 10,000 infantry in the back. They are currently following our army to chase the Wu army and the Southern Chu army."
"However, the scouts have not yet returned with the specific situation of the battlefield ahead."
Zhao Hao felt a little worried. He took a deep breath and tried to relax himself.
At this moment, someone outside reported: "My Lord, your guards are here and are outside the Marshal's Mansion."
Zhao Hao hurriedly walked forward and saw Wu Song, Qingniao, and a group of Shu soldiers all standing outside.
Zhao Hao waved his hand, and the guards released Wu Song and Qingniao.
After the two men exchanged greetings, Wu Song said, "My Lord, we found out last night that the armies on both sides had moved, so we temporarily changed our route and came to Tongshan City."
Zhao Hao nodded: "I think you will come too."
As he said this, he looked at Zhang Ye, the small leader of the Shu army and asked, "Why are you here too?"
Zhangye said, "We will be punished by the prince if we go back, so we might as well go together to find the marquis, so that we can have an explanation."
Zhao Hao smiled slightly and said to the guards behind him: "Arrange meals for them and let them have a good rest."
The guard nodded quickly and took everyone there immediately.
Wu Song and Qingniao followed Zhao Hao into the house.
Bluebird asked quickly, "My Lord, has the war already begun?"
Zhao Hao nodded: "It should be. The Wu army suddenly set out last night, and General Chu Yun has already led the army to catch up."
"However, I didn't hear the explosion of the thunder bomb, so I don't know what the situation is at the moment."
Bluebird asked quickly, "It's already noon, and the scouts haven't come back to report yet?"
Zhao Hao shook his head: "No!"
Qingniao said, "My Lord, let's have our people investigate. No matter what, we must understand the situation so that we can make arrangements early."
Zhao Hao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, thank you for your hard work, Miss Qingniao!"
The bluebird shook its head and turned away immediately.
After she left, Wu Song said, "Young Master, you are not hurt while flying the big kite, are you?"
Zhao Hao smiled and waved his hands: "No, I'm lucky. Brother Wu, go eat first and then have a good sleep. I don't have anything to do here."
Wu Song nodded and walked out.
Soon, the guards arranged for a group of Shu soldiers to come back, and Zhao Hao asked them to accompany him out of the mansion and stroll around the city.
Seeing the scene in the city, Zhao Hao's face gradually became ugly.
Not to mention that mourning ribbons were hung on every door, but they could definitely be seen everywhere.
Zhao Hao turned around and asked, "Were there many casualties in the city?"
The guard quickly said, "My Lord, this happened after the Wu and Nanchu armies occupied the city."
"These families with mourning ribbons hanging on their doors all had people who helped defend the city."
"Unfortunately, in the end, because of our weak defenses at Tongshan, we were still surrounded and breached by the two armies of the Wu army!"
Zhao Hao took a deep breath and asked, "How many people died in total?"
The guard shook his head and said, "I don't know about this position. The prefect should have a number of people. Does the Marquis want them?"
Zhao Hao shook his head and said, "No need. When we get back to the Marshal's Mansion, tell the prefect that if he has any civilians who died while helping to defend the city, tell him to hand them over to me."
"If there is no list, let him go door to door and count them."
"These civilians died because they helped the army defend the city. They must not die in vain!"
"The court must provide compensation to his family."
The guard was stunned when he heard this, and looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Zhao Hao asked, "What's wrong? Is there any problem?"
The guard quickly shook his head and said, "My Lord, there are quite a few civilians who died. Although I don't know the exact number, I know the rough number."
"Fifteen thousand people, definitely."
"If you want to pay out pensions, it's going to be a huge expense."
"The court may not agree!"
"So, my Lord, it's better for you not to get involved in this matter."
"lest……"
Zhao Hao looked at the other person, and the guard felt a little scared by his gaze.
"My Lord, I am sorry for talking too much!"
Zhao Hao sighed and waved his hand, "No, you didn't say anything."
"You are Brother Xiao's personal guard."
"I guess you reminded me because of the relationship between Brother Xiao and me."
"Is it right?"
The guard nodded quickly and said, "Yes, nothing can be hidden from the Marquis."
It’s true.
Zhao Hao and Xiao Chuyun have a deep relationship. This guard was personally selected by Xiao Chuyun to protect Zhao Hao's safety.
At this time, seeing that Zhao Hao wanted to take charge of the matter, it was just a reminder out of kindness.
Zhao Hao nodded slightly and said, "I know your good intentions, but I must take care of this matter."
"These people sacrificed their lives for our country."
"They may have parents, wives and children at home. How can we let them die in vain without giving them any explanation?"
"If the imperial court doesn't even care about this, then is such an imperial court worthy of their death?"
"Are we still worthy of their souls in heaven?"
"I think it's definitely not worthy!"
"So, I will take care of this matter. When we return to the Imperial Capital, I will ask His Majesty to personally issue an order for compensation!"
"If Your Majesty is unwilling, then I, Zhao Hao, will pay for the relief of these families myself!"
Zhao Hao's tone was light, but every word he spoke was extremely clear, and sounded resounding in the ears of the guards.
The guard also took a deep breath, and there was deep respect in his eyes when he looked at Zhao Hao.
After a long while, he said, "My Lord, you care about the people. This concern is enough to shock the hearts of all the people!"
Zhao Hao shook his head helplessly and said, "They are all ordinary people, but they died in the war. How innocent they are!"
After saying this, Zhao Hao no longer had the mood to continue walking, so he turned around and returned to the Marshal's Mansion.
As soon as he came back, the scout arrived. Zhao Hao quickly called him in and asked, "Tell me quickly, what is the situation at the front?"
The soldier immediately replied, "My Lord, the general led the army to pursue the Wu army and the Southern Chu army all the way. Forty miles away from Tongshan City, they encountered an interception by 20,000 Wu soldiers."
"The general did not attack immediately, but waited until daybreak, when 10,000 Shu cavalry arrived, before launching the attack with the entire army."
"When I returned, the war was already at its final stage."
Zhao Hao asked quickly, "How many casualties did our army suffer without using thunder bombs?"
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