Shuhan

For half a month, the Han army camp on the other side of the river was silent, without any movement, as if it were a dead wasteland.

The eight passes of Luoyang seemed exceptionally quiet at this moment, and the Han army had no intention of attacking the city.

On the contrary, among the endless mountains, the Han army soldiers were busy building fortresses, cutting down trees, and moving earth and rocks. It was a busy scene.

The fortress was built extremely solidly, and its towering walls were like iron walls and copper walls. Judging from the posture, it seemed that they were going to block the Wei army in the eight passes of Luoyang, making it impossible for them to escape.

In Luoyang City, the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

Food supplies were running out, and the food reserves in the warehouses were getting less and less. People began to tighten their belts, but more and more people were starving to death.

On the streets, skinny refugees can be seen everywhere. They are ragged, pale and thin, and their eyes are full of despair and helplessness.

If things continue like this, someone might cause trouble, Cao Rui was secretly anxious.

Cao Rui sat in the study, his brows furrowed, a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

He was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe, but looked a little haggard at the moment. After a month of recuperation after the assassination, he was able to walk again.

now.

He tapped his fingers on the table, his mind full of thoughts.

It was originally thought that the Han army would take advantage of the incident of his assassination to launch a massive attack on the city and capture Luoyang in one fell swoop.

Unexpectedly, Liu Gongsi was so patient. Up to now, the Han army not only did not attack the city, but was building fortresses and preparing for a long-term siege.

"Your Majesty, there is very little food left. If we don't find a solution, I'm afraid..." A minister walked into the study tremblingly and said in a trembling voice.

Cao Rui raised his head, his eyes were sharp, but there was a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He knew very well that Luoyang City was in a desperate situation at the moment, and if no action was taken, the consequences would be disastrous.

"I know." Cao Rui said in a deep voice. Although his voice was low, it revealed an unquestionable firmness.

"The Han army thought they could surround us and consume our food, but they forgot that there are too many people in Luoyang City and the amount of food consumed is too much. We can't just sit there and wait for death. We must take the initiative to attack."

After saying that, Cao Rui stood up and paced back and forth in the study.

His figure seemed a little lonely in the candlelight, but there was a gleam of determination in his eyes.

He immediately ordered the conscription of 50,000 Luoyang civilians to serve as laborers and go to Guangcheng Pass, Hangu Pass, and Chenggao Pass to help defend the city.

As soon as the order came out, the city of Luoyang was in an uproar.

The people were talking about it, some were terrified, while others were filled with indignation.

But no matter what, they all knew that this was a moment concerning the survival of Luoyang City, and everyone must contribute their own strength.

The conscripted laborers quickly gathered. They were dressed in tattered clothes, holding simple tools, and their eyes were full of determination and resoluteness.

They knew that this trip might be a life-threatening one, but for the survival of Luoyang City and the safety of their families, they had no hesitation.

Cao Rui personally came to the city gate to see the civilians off.

He was dressed in armor and holding a sword, looking heroic, but his eyes revealed a hint of reluctance and worry.

"My fellow villagers, I know that your journey is extremely dangerous, but for the survival of Luoyang City and for our homeland, you must stand up."

Cao Rui said with a choked voice, his eyes were a little wet, but he tried hard not to let the tears flow.

"I will wait here for your triumphant return and give you a warm welcome."

When the common people heard this, they felt a warm current in their hearts. They knew that although Cao Rui was an emperor, he cared about the people and was always thinking about their safety.

They knelt on the ground one after another, shouting loudly: "Long live His Majesty! Long live Luoyang!"

Cao Rui waved his hand, signaling the civilians to stand up.

He looked at them with a firm gaze and prayed silently in his heart: May God bless these brave people to return safely.

However, Cao Rui actually had another plan in mind.

He knew very well that there was very little food and grass left in Luoyang City. If things continued like this, everyone would probably starve to death.

Conscripting these civilians to go to the pass to help defend the city was actually to consume these people in order to reduce the loss of food and grass in Luoyang.

At the same time, these civilians would also become targets of attack by the Han army while defending the city, thereby consuming the Han army's manpower and morale.

This was a cruel decision, but Cao Rui had no choice.

As the emperor of Wei, he must be responsible for the survival of Luoyang City.

The laborers set out on the journey to the pass, and their figures looked particularly tragic in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Cao Rui stood at the city gate and watched them go away until their figures disappeared from his sight.

As night fell, Luoyang was completely silent. Cao Rui sat alone in his study, his mind full of thoughts.

He didn't know whether his decision was right or wrong, but he knew that he had no way out.

He could only strengthen his faith and lead the people of Luoyang City to resist the invasion of the Han army and protect this land that belonged to them.

Yecheng, this ancient and solemn city, appears more stable in the afterglow of the setting sun.

On the city walls, flags fluttered, as if whispering about the coming changes.

Inside the city, palaces stood tall and majestic. Inside one of the palaces, flickering candlelight illuminated Liu Chan's face, which had become mature and extremely determined.

From the front line in Luoyang, galloping horses and letters of battle reports poured into Yecheng like flowing water, constantly telling Liu Chan a shocking news: Wei's defense line in Luoyang was in danger, and Cao Rui's army seemed to have reached the end of its strength and was about to collapse.

This news was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples and also causing waves in Liu Chan's heart.

However, Liu Chan did not become impatient because of this.

He knew very well that the more critical the moment was, the less anxious he should be.

Being anxious is useless, as it will only reveal your flaws and give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage.

He sat upright at his desk, tapping lightly on the table with his fingers, his eyes revealing a calmness and wisdom beyond his age.

Beside him, a plump beauty in black stood quietly. She was the concubine Zhou Che.

She has a graceful figure and a pretty face, and her brows reveal a sense of intelligence and alertness.

She knew very well what Liu Chan was thinking at the moment, and understood how she should cooperate.

"Cao Rui can't wait any longer." Liu Chan spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful.

"He is running low on food and grass. This is our chance. Inform the entire army to strengthen the defense on all sides to prevent Cao Rui from making any extreme moves."

Zhou Che nodded immediately, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

She turned around to leave, but suddenly stopped, looked back at Liu Chan, and asked softly: "What should we do with the surrendered soldiers from Wei? They are now in a panic. If we don't handle it properly, there may be trouble."

Liu Chan grinned, and that smile showed both confidence and admiration for Zhou Che.

He stood up, walked to Zhou Che, patted her shoulder gently, and said: "Che'er, you are indeed thoughtful. This time we are here to restore the Han Dynasty and eliminate the bandit leader. For those who surrender, we will only kill the bandit leader. As long as they lay down their weapons, our Han Dynasty will forgive their past and continue to enjoy wealth and glory as before."

As he spoke, a hint of cunning flashed in Liu Chan's eyes.

He knew very well that this was the time to play with people's hearts.

He wanted to let the soldiers and people of Luoyang see that the Han Dynasty had a broad mind, and as long as they were willing to surrender, the Han Dynasty would give them the treatment and respect they deserved.

Zhou Che's heart suddenly became clear when she heard this. She looked at Liu Chan's determined eyes, and a warm current surged in her heart.

She understood that once such a decree was announced, the people of Luoyang would completely turn their hearts away from Wei and towards the Han.

She bowed gently and said softly, "Your Majesty is wise. I will convey your will right away."

Liu Chan nodded and looked at Zhou Che's departing back, feeling an inexplicable emotion in his heart.

This war is not only a military contest, but also a contest of people's hearts.

Whoever wins the hearts of the people can win the world. As night falls, the streets of Yecheng are lit up.

Liu Chan walked alone in the corridor of the palace, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.

Suddenly, a breeze blew, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers.

Liu Chan looked up and saw that the palace garden was full of flowers in full bloom, competing for beauty.

He couldn't help but walk over, stand among the flowers, close his eyes, and take a deep breath.

The fragrance of the flowers seemed to have magical power, instantly dispelling the irritability and anxiety in his heart.

At this moment, a gentle voice sounded in his ears: "Your Majesty, why are you here alone?"

Liu Chan opened his eyes and saw Zhou Che standing beside him with a cloak in his hand.

She gently put the cloak on Liu Chan and said softly, "It's getting cold at night. Your Majesty, please take care of yourself."

Liu Chan looked at Zhou Che's concerned eyes and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

He held Zhou Che's hand and said softly, "Che'er, thank you. I feel safe with you by my side."

When Zhou Che heard this, a happy smile appeared on his face.

She knew that although she was just a concubine of Liu Chan, she held an important position in Liu Chan's heart.

She snuggled tightly in Liu Chan's arms, as if she wanted to remember this moment of happiness forever.

It was late at night and Yecheng fell into a deep sleep.

But in Liu Chan's heart, there was a blazing fire.

That was the desire to restore the Han Dynasty and the determination to wipe out the bandit leader.

a long distance away.

Hangu Pass looks particularly desolate in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The autumn wind was bleak, blowing up gusts of yellow sand, which hit the faces of passers-by and brought a bit of biting chill.

At the pass, a team of civilian laborers recruited from Luoyang staggered forward. They were ragged, pale and thin, with eyes full of fatigue and helplessness.

Qin Lang stood on the pass, staring at the frail team of civilians below, and an inexplicable bitterness welled up in his heart.

He was wearing armor, the iron plates on the armor flashed coldly in the setting sun, but his eyes revealed an indescribable sadness.

Qin Lang couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, and the laughter echoed in the empty pass, sounding particularly desolate.

He turned around and said to the emperor's envoy beside him with a hint of helplessness and doubt in his tone: "These people, I'm afraid they can't even lift a sword. They are not qualified to be civilians, let alone go into battle to kill the enemy?"

Qin Lang stared at the messenger, his eyes flashing with confusion and indignation at the scene before him.

The emperor's envoy stood beside Qin Lang with a smile on his face.

His face was slightly round, and his eyes revealed a cunning and calculating look.

He gently stroked the strands of long beard on his chin and said with a smile: "General Qin, you don't know that Luoyang is seriously short of food now. Although these civilians seem weak, they are better than nothing. Letting them come here, I didn't expect them to be of much use. General, use these people as much as you can. If you can use their lives to break the situation, it will be the best thing."

The messenger's words were understated, but like a sharp dagger, they pierced deeply into Qin Lang's heart.

He was stunned, with a flash of astonishment and pain in his eyes.

He found it hard to believe that an envoy of the Emperor would be so disregardful of the lives of the people and treat them as pawns to be squandered at will.

Qin Lang took a deep breath and tried to calm his inner turmoil.

He once again looked at the group of civilians below, and saw that they all had their heads hung and walked unsteadily, as if they might fall down at any time.

Their clothes were tattered, revealing their shriveled bodies and scarred hands and feet. Some of the laborers were still leaning on wooden sticks to support their exhausted bodies.

Their eyes were filled with despair and helplessness, as if they had been abandoned by this world.

A strong feeling of pity surged in Qin Lang's heart.

These civilians are also the people of the Great Wei. They should have lived and worked in peace and contentment at home and enjoyed the happiness of family.

However, now because of the food shortage in Luoyang, they were ruthlessly conscripted to the front line to die.

Their fate was so tragic that Qin Lang felt heartbroken.

He turned to the emperor's envoy again, his tone full of indignation: "Your Excellency, do you know that these people are also the people of Wei? Although they are weak, they are also flesh and blood. Is it the emperor's intention to use them as cannon fodder?"

When the messenger heard this, his expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

He sneered and said, "General Qin, don't be naive. In this chaotic world, the law of the jungle is the law of survival. Since these civilians cannot provide food for Luoyang, they have no use value. Sending them to the front line now can at least make some contribution to the army. If you don't want to use them, so be it. But remember, the emperor's will cannot be disobeyed."

Qin Lang felt a chill in his heart when he heard this.

He never expected that the emperor's envoy would be so cold-blooded and heartless, and would not take the lives of tens of thousands of people seriously.

He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger and grief in his heart.

He knew that he could not change the emperor's will, nor could he save these innocent people.

At this time, an elderly civilian hobbled up to Qin Lang.

He had a head full of white hair, his face was covered with deep wrinkles, and his eyes revealed endless fatigue and sadness.

He raised his head tremblingly, looked at Qin Lang, and said in a hoarse voice: "General, although we are weak, we are willing to do our part for the Wei Dynasty. We only ask that you can give us a way to survive."

A strong sense of sadness surged in Qin Lang's heart.

He held the old man's hand tightly, and said with a choked voice: "Old man, I know your difficulties. But the emperor's will is hard to disobey, and I can't do anything about it."

When the old man heard this, a trace of despair flashed in his eyes.

He slowly lowered his head, tears streaming down his cheeks.

His figure looked particularly desolate in the sunset, as if he had been forgotten by the world.

Qin Lang turned around and looked at the mountains in the distance, his heart filled with endless emotion.

This war is not only a military contest, but also a test of humanity.

In this troubled time, the lives of the weak are as insignificant as grass and can be crushed at any time.

As a general, he was unable to protect his people, which made him feel extremely sad and guilty.

As night fell, bonfires were lit at the foot of Hangu Pass.

The laborers sat around the fire, shivering as they gnawed on dry, hard steamed buns.

Their eyes were filled with fear and anxiety about the future.

Qin Lang stood alone on the pass, gazing at the distant horizon.

His heart was filled with endless worries and confusion.

He didn't know when this war would end, nor did he know when these innocent civilians would be able to break free from the shackles of fate.

He only knew that he had to stay here. For the sake of the Wei Dynasty and for those innocent people, he had to fight to the end.

However, whenever he thought of the civilians who were used as cannon fodder, an indescribable grief welled up in his heart.

The night wind at Hangu Pass is still bleak, and the yellow sand is still hitting the faces of passers-by.

Qin Lang stood on the pass, gazing at the distant horizon, his heart filled with endless grief and confusion.

Do we still need to hold on to such a Wei Dynasty?

What is the meaning? (End of this chapter)