Outside the city, Zhou Xiang stood at the front-line command post where the battle flags fluttered, his eyes fixed on the solid city wall in front of him.
"Once we take Lincheng, the remaining five prefectures and counties will be taken with almost no effort."
Chen Zhennan's order was to complete the task within three months. Zhou Xiang didn't expect his actions to be so fast; in less than a month, he had completed 70% of the plan.
Lincheng is the toughest nut to crack on the route.
It was right here that Chen Zhennan led 8,000 righteous soldiers to withstand the attack of 60,000 government troops from the previous dynasty for two days and two nights.
Lincheng is situated on high ground, and its boulders and logs are valuable strategic resources that must be replenished immediately after each battle.
Outside Lincheng, Zhou Xiang's camp was shrouded in a suffocating atmosphere.
Tens of thousands of civilians were driven by soldiers to carry huge stones and various military supplies, a heartbreaking scene.
"Speed up! No matter the cost, we must ensure the supply of materials needed for the siege. Remember, the city walls of Lincheng must be smashed to pieces with these stones!"
Zhou Xiang's order was like a death warrant. To him, it didn't matter how many people died or were injured here, since they weren't his fellow villagers from Lingnan.
"Your Highness, the people are exhausted. If this continues, I'm afraid even more will not be able to hold on," a subordinate said worriedly, a hint of pity in his eyes.
Zhou Xiang's face darkened, and he said coldly, "This is war, and we must spare no effort! Tell them that they must complete the mission no matter what, and those who disobey will die!"
Upon hearing this, the deputy general's expression hardened. Knowing Zhou Xiang's temperament, he dared not disobey and could only grit his teeth and agree. He then hurriedly went down the mountain to personally supervise the transport team's accelerated operations.
However, for the people forced to perform arduous labor, Zhou Xiang's order was like a bolt from the blue.
The body, already weakened by long-term hunger and exhaustion, could no longer withstand such intense pressure.
Some elderly people and children, exhausted, collapsed on the roadside and never got up again. Some, unable to bear the torment, chose to escape their suffering by dying.
Countless elderly villagers cried out in despair to the sky, "Heavens! What terrible things have we done to deserve such suffering? General, please have mercy on us and let us go!"
The deputy general looked reluctant, but Zhou Xiang ignored him, his mind entirely focused on capturing Lincheng.
As night fell, Zhou Xiang had no choice but to halt the attack on the city. The mountain roads outside the city were rugged, and holding torches would make them easy targets. It was better to wait until dawn to take advantage of their numerical superiority.
Inside Zhou Xiang's main camp, the lights were on, and the meticulously arranged model on the sand table was clearly visible, reflecting Zhou Xiang's focused yet slightly tired face.
He was immersed in strategic thinking, repeatedly considering every possible path of attack, trying to find the best breakthrough plan.
Suddenly, the tent flap was lifted, and Chen Zhennan walked in with Song Yunming.
Zhou Xiang turned around abruptly and saw Chen Zhennan's figure, and an overwhelming joy welled up in his heart.
"General! You've finally arrived! With you here, Lincheng will fall in no time!"
Chen Zhennan smiled and stepped forward to observe the formation on the sand table.
"Zhou Xiang, I have reviewed your deployment, and it is indeed well-intentioned. However, effective immediately, all military operations against Lincheng must cease."
Zhou Xiang frowned sharply, revealing a strong sense of resentment and confusion.
"General, what do you mean by this? Lincheng is so close, why give up a victory that is within your grasp?"
Chen Zhennan remained silent for a moment, not answering Zhou Xiang's question directly, but slowly walked to the window and gazed at the dark night sky outside.
"Zhou Xiang, do you still remember the eleven rules I left you before I left?"
The flickering candlelight illuminated the faces of the three people in the main tent. The air seemed to freeze, with only the soft crackling of the candle wick and the sound of Zhou Xiang's heartbeat echoing in the tent.
Zhou Xiang's body trembled slightly, and the yellowed booklet instantly appeared in his mind, on which were written "Three Main Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention".
Zhou Xiang was suddenly stunned. Chen Zhennan's question meant that he must already know about his forced labor of people.
"General, I... disobeyed your orders, forcibly conscripted civilians, causing innocent casualties, I... I am guilty!"
Zhou Xiang's voice trembled, his eyes filled with fear. No one had ever dared to disobey Chen Zhennan's military orders.
After saying that, Zhou Xiang knelt down heavily on both knees, his forehead touching the ground, displaying an extremely humble posture.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew very well that Zhou Xiang's confession was not just a formality, but a genuine expression of remorse from the bottom of his heart.
She walked slowly to Zhou Xiang and gently patted his shoulder.
"Zhou Xiang, I know you are under a lot of pressure, but do you understand that true victory is not only about defeating the enemy, but also about protecting the innocent and winning the hearts of the people?"
"General, I know I was wrong. Please punish me."
Chen Zhennan's face was gloomy. Song Yunming, who was standing next to him, was a little surprised to see that there was murderous intent in his eyes. Did Chen Zhennan want to kill Zhou Xiang?
“Zhou Xiang, since you admit your guilt, we'll let this matter go, but you must handle the aftermath properly. It's true that in chaotic times, people are valued for their talent, not their virtue, but the world will not tolerate those without virtue. You must remember that.”
Zhou Xiang nodded repeatedly, then hurriedly got up to settle the dead and injured civilians and their families.
"Chen Zhennan, if Wu Yunyin hadn't intended to kill you, and if there weren't these chaotic times, would you still have let Zhou Xiang go?"
Chen Zhennan smiled upon hearing this, then turned to look at Song Yunming thoughtfully.
"If it were you, would you be willing to let Zhou Xiang go?"
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