No one knows what happened that night.
All that is known is that a sudden downpour not only halted Zhao Hao's army's advance but also extinguished the fires burning in the city.
However, they only managed to salvage 30% of the grain, so even if they wanted to hold Chang'an, they probably wouldn't be able to hold out for long.
In mid-August, discontent was rampant in Chang'an, and the people's hearts were scattered.
Many generals were stationed in the city, but they could not develop any goodwill towards these people.
After all, whether it was repairing the city walls or looting supplies, these people were the ones who harmed their people.
Not to mention, Dong Zhuo hasn't appeared on the city wall even once in a single day.
Forget about popular support, even the morale of the Xiliang army is steadily declining...
"Your Majesty, there are visitors outside... there are visitors outside."
Dong Zhuo was becoming increasingly isolated. Apart from some ignorant eunuchs and palace maids still in the palace, even his personal guards were beginning to distance themselves from him.
"Is this your first day on the job? Who's visiting? Speak!"
Dong Zhuo's temper grew increasingly volatile. Even if it weren't for this ignorant eunuch reporting this today, he would still be roaring angrily like this.
"Yes...it's Lord Xu Rong!"
"Let him in here!"
The eunuch dared not linger and scrambled away from Dong Zhuo's palace to report outside.
Soon, Xu Rong, dressed in linen clothes, arrived at the inner hall and paid his respects to Dong Zhuo.
During this period of time, he did request an audience with Dong Zhuo.
However, the generals of the Xiliang faction had no intention of letting this outsider regain power from Dong Zhuo, so they kept it a secret and only gave Xu Rong a certain amount of money and food to ensure he had enough to eat.
Only now, when they are short-handed, do they remember Xu Rong and are willing to let him meet Dong Zhuo.
Whether it will succeed or not depends on Xu Rong himself...
"Xu Rong, a criminal, pays his respects to the Grand Tutor!"
Enraged, Dong Zhuo lifted the table and smashed it at Xu Rong.
"I am the Emperor, how dare you address me by my former official title? Are you courting death?"
Xu Rong withstood Dong Zhuo's blow, and his thin body immediately felt his blood surging and he coughed up a few drops of crimson blood.
"A defeated general, who has only returned to see me after so long, shows no respect upon meeting me; he shall be executed!"
If it weren't for the current shortage of manpower, I would have spared no one and ordered you to guard the north gate. If the gate falls, you won't be alive either!
Xu Rong trembled and looked up at Dong Zhuo in disbelief.
He was once a hero in Xiliang who distributed all the spoils and rewards from his superiors to his subordinates.
Once upon a time, Dong Zhuo was a man who looked down upon the world and was brave and fearless.
He disappeared.
Now, only a tyrannical, ruthless, and exceptionally cruel ruler of the Great Xia Kingdom remains.
Xu Rong was heartbroken and had no choice but to accept the order and retreat awkwardly.
"Your Majesty, I will go and receive the order to guard the pass immediately."
Xu Rong has lost all hope in Dong Zhuo, as evidenced by recent news.
Niu Fu, the commander of Youfufeng, was attacked from both sides by Bai Qi and Zhang Han and was instantly defeated and killed.
Now, these two have taken control of the Right Fufeng and Liangzhou armies, and are continuously drawing manpower and supplies to support Zhao Hao's army in Chang'an.
Not to mention, ever since Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun led the defection, countless people in Chang'an have turned to Zhao Hao and are ready to raise the banner of rebellion and respond to him at any time.
Outside the city, countless powerful families and gentry voluntarily offered up hidden people and stockpiled money and grain to support Zhao Hao's attack on the city.
Having lost the advantages of timing, location, and popular support, what could Dong Zhuo use to fight Zhao Hao?
After thinking it over, Xu Rong returned home, arranged for his servants to dress him in armor, and instructed them to lock the gate and not wander around. Then he resolutely headed towards the north gate.
Gaa gaa gaa... Snap!
biu~
Soon, Xu Rong didn't have to use much persuasion to convince the soldiers at the north gate of Chang'an to abandon their evil ways and follow in his footsteps to welcome Zhao Hao into the city.
None of them were Li Jue and Guo Fan's main force. In the past few days, there were no soldiers on the north city wall, so the Xiliang direct forces sent some old, weak, sick, or disabled soldiers, or soldiers who were not direct forces, to the north gate.
These men were a mixed bag, and not of one mind with the authorities. Leaving them on the main defensive walls would only be a burden, so they were happy to send troops to the north wall, but these were mostly remnants of defeated soldiers...
These people naturally knew what Li Jue and his men were up to, and they were happy to have escaped with their lives and not have to fight against Zhao Hao's ferocious army.
Now, welcoming Zhao Hao into the city will bring them wealth and honor, so why wouldn't they do it?
"Xu Rong, you made a very good decision."
When Xu Rong fired the signal flare that Zhao Hao had passed to him through a scout, Zhao Hao led his personal guards to quickly seize the gate and take control of the north city wall.
If Xu Rong were to betray them and make any underhanded moves, it wouldn't matter. The grandfather and grandson from back then have now become Xu Rong's servants, accompanying him to defend the city walls.
But in reality, both of them were Zhao Hao's men. If Xu Rong showed even the slightest sign of disloyalty, they would eliminate him for Zhao Hao!
"All that happened in the past was due to my ignorance and lack of understanding. I hope that Lord Qin will have pity on the people of Chang'an and end this pointless struggle as soon as possible. In the future, if Lord Qin has any orders, I will not refuse!"
Zhao Hao nodded slightly but did not reply to Xu Rong.
"Guan Hai, Guan Sheng, you two will assist Mr. Ju Shou in leading two thousand Iron Eagle Warriors to defend the north wall together with General Xu Rong. Before long, the rest of our army will surely be able to breach the remaining city walls, and you will be credited with the greatest merit!"
"promise!"
"The rest of you, follow me straight to the heart of the enemy and see what this scourge of the world is like, Dong Zhongying."
What does it look like now?
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
