The people at the moment are unaware of the impending storm. The fighting on the border is becoming increasingly fierce. Although a batch of essential military supplies has been sent over, it is still far from enough.
These military supplies were unearthed from somewhere, even the arrows were rotten and would never be able to penetrate armor.
When Li Ruochen learned of this, his face turned ashen. There was simply no time to bring in another batch from elsewhere.
In order to defend the city, Li Ruochen even dismantled all the carriages and threw them down like rolling logs.
To alleviate this pressure, Li Jiangong, who had just returned, took his only thousand cavalrymen out to fight a round trip.
But all of this was in vain. Although the thousand cavalrymen successfully completed their mission, only a few hundred men returned.
Faced with the enemy surging in like a tidal wave, a look of despair appeared on Li Jiangong's face.
There were so many, it was as if there were no way to kill all these enemies.
Judging from the number of enemy camps, the number of people involved in this attack is at least 50,000, and they seem to be composed of elites from various tribes.
After struggling to hold out for another three days, Li Jiangong had no choice but to advise Li Ruochen again, "General, we really can't hold on any longer. Even if we continue to defend, today may be the day the city falls."
At this moment, Li Ruochen's armor was already soaked in blood, revealing a dark red color. He didn't even have time to wipe the dried bloodstains on his face, making him look more like a demon crawling out of hell.
She no longer had any personal guards by her side; they had all been sent out, or were mostly dead.
The soldiers defending the city are pushing themselves to the limit every minute and every second. The only reason they can hold on is because their commander is still alive and they have the last bit of morale.
After repelling another wave of attacks, the barbarians retreated, but commotion came from the distant military camp. Two square formations of ten thousand men each were advancing towards the border, and a majestic figure riding a tall horse appeared along with them.
Jamut rode his horse, carrying a giant axe longer than a man on his back, and came alone to the city, showing no fear of being attacked by assassins.
"General Li, I admire you as a heroine, but after guarding this place for so many days, I think you're nearing the end of your life. Are you sure you still want to oppose me?"
Li Ruochen stood atop the city wall, long sword in hand. The howling wind billowed her cloak, and simply standing there, she resembled a bright banner.
Looking at this guy who had been beaten and fled by him two years ago, Li Ruochen shouted, "You're just a defeated opponent, how dare you be so arrogant?"
Zhamut was not angry. Instead, he smiled and said, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. I lost last time, but this time General Li can't hold this pass. Surrender as soon as possible, and maybe I can spare your life. Otherwise, when the city falls, I will have to hand you over to my soldiers."
The soldiers guarding the city were all extremely indignant; they could not accept that someone would insult their general in such a way.
Compared to those who exploit soldiers, Li Ruochen has done everything she could. Whatever is sent down from above, even if it has been exploited by layers of people, she manages to give it all to the soldiers without keeping a single bit for herself.
She treats every soldier equally and rarely acts like a general. How could a general who loves his soldiers like his own children and is equally capable in battle not be loved?
"Stop your wishful thinking. As long as I am alive, you will never be able to get over this city wall. If you don't believe me, you can try it yourself and see if my sword is sharp."
Zhamut shook his head. "She really is a stubborn woman. Fine, then don't blame me for not giving you a chance."
With 20,000 men attacking the city simultaneously, the most difficult battle began.
The relentless attacks left the defending forces utterly exhausted, and every barbarian soldier was completely risking their lives.
Even if they were to die on this city wall, they would never retreat a single step. Some would even cling to a guard and lock him tightly before they died, creating an opportunity for their own men.
The city wall had long since become a bloody meat grinder, and the two sides were now locked in a battle of sheer grit.
Li Ruochen had already joined the battle, his longsword as light and deadly as a butterfly flitting among flowers.
But just as the fierce battle was raging, Li Ruochen suddenly heard the sound of the city gate being opened. As a series of awkward sounds continued to spread, she knew that the bolts on the city gate had been removed.
Ignoring everything else, Li Ruochen immediately rushed towards the city gate. He saw that the soldiers who had been transporting weapons had already opened the gate. The moment the bolts were removed, all the barbarian soldiers surged towards the gate and forcefully pushed it open.
With the city gates wide open, defeat was practically inevitable. Li Ruochen couldn't understand why these soldiers were traitors, but now everything was set in stone.
Without this city wall, Li Ruochen wouldn't even be qualified to defend the city, since the barbarians had sent far too many people.
This sudden turn of events left Li Ruochen somewhat dazed. Her eyes were filled with disbelief. Why would she be betrayed like this at such a crucial moment?
Once this city gate is opened, how many more people will die at the hands of these barbarians, and what place will be able to hold out afterward?
Are all these hundreds of miles of land, except for Jiangyang City, destined to be engulfed in flames?
Li Jiangong naturally noticed the situation immediately and rushed over with his few remaining guards without hesitation, dragging Li Ruochen away regardless of her resistance.
The soldiers on the city wall noticed this situation but did not retreat at all.
A centurion roared, "Gentlemen, General Li has treated us well during these years of guarding the border. Anyway, when we die, we'll all be back to square one. Eighteen years from now, we'll all be heroes again. Let's buy some time for the general!"
The roars of thousands of soldiers atop the city walls echoed across the sky.
Everyone was doing their best to hold off the Manchu soldiers around them, creating an opportunity for Li Ruochen to escape.
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