I am a soldier in the border army

Chapter 653 Governing and Shepherding the People! Surrounding Guangzong! Facing Death! Facing Death!

The battle raged for several days.

June 12th.

Huang Tianjun of Jizhou was defeated.

Corpses littered the fields, blood flowed like rivers, and piled up like mountains...

Words cannot adequately describe the brutality of this battle.

When Feng Can personally beheaded the leader of Ji Province, even though this man was bloodthirsty and always acted recklessly, he couldn't help but feel a little sad.

"My lord is trustworthy and benevolent, and has no intention of exterminating your Huangtiandao sect. Why are you doing this?"

The Jizhou chieftain, whose spirit had not yet completely perished, smiled indifferently.

“You have your loyalty, and I have my own principles.”

"To die a martyr for one's cause is a worthy death; what is there to regret?"

Feng Can shook his head and sighed.

"I do not pity you, but I pity these hundreds of thousands of soldiers who died unjustly. What did they do wrong?"

Upon hearing this, the pale face of the leader of Jizhou froze on his severed head, and he fell silent.

Feng Can wanted to hear how the other party would respond, but when he looked up again, he saw that the other party's soul had already vanished.

Clearly, the other party had no answer to his question.

Or perhaps he simply didn't want to answer.

But none of that matters now.

The entire army of hundreds of thousands of Huang Tian soldiers in Jizhou was wiped out, and Guangzong City, the heartland of Huang Tiandao, was now within reach.

As long as we capture Guangzong, we can kill the bandit leader Zhang Xiansan.

The Huangtian Rebellion, which affected most of the country and shook the foundation of the Dayong Dynasty, will no longer be a concern.

And at that time, his sovereign will stand at the very center of the world, attracting the attention of all people!

……

The Zhenliao Army advanced.

Han Shao had actually been following behind the Zhenliao Army the whole time, advancing all the way.

However, he did not hide in the clouds along the way, but traveled slowly in a carriage just like an ordinary king or nobleman.

According to ritual, the emperor was driven by a six-horse chariot, while feudal lords were driven by a five-horse

Five horses pulled a chariot, which could travel freely without any restrictions.

Han Shao did not overstep the bounds of propriety.

However, the five warhorses that pulled his chariot were somewhat special; they were not ordinary Liaodong horses.

Instead, each one of them possessed outstanding talent and the appearance of a dragon.

In response, Wuzhui Aolie, whose dragon pattern was imprinted on the robes of the mountains and rivers, couldn't help but feel a little smug.

These five divine steeds were the result of His efforts back then.

In this way, even if He is unable to travel for His master in the future, it will not be considered as letting the good fortune go to someone else's field.

With these descendants to carry on his father's business, the Ao family, the closest to the master, will eventually have a place among his lineage!
Even if some wicked creatures like divine phoenixes or qilins appear in the future, they shouldn't even think about getting their hands on this lucrative position!

Han Shao, of course, had no idea that this beast was plotting something long-term behind his back, nor did he know that this scoundrel was actually planning to make providing him with transportation a hereditary profession.

At this moment, he could only sigh at how stingy that old hag Li Wenjing was.

He used to take Wuzhui to breed, but now he only has five horses for himself to show off, and he has sent the rest to the Jixia Academy.

Using the name of beauty is just a way to curry favor with oneself.

But why would Han Shao need to consider the whims of the Jixia Academy now?

In reality, he was just trying to curry favor with that old monster from Wuyashan in order to regain his place among the academy's members.

However, considering his outstanding contributions and the considerable past affection he shared, Han Shao chose not to expose him.

The imperial guards' iron cavalry silently cleared the way ahead.

Han Shao casually lifted the gauze curtain of the carriage and looked outside.

All that could be seen was desolation and bleakness.

He let out a soft sigh.

"When things prosper, the people suffer."

"When the country falls, the people suffer even more."

As it turns out, compared to his ability to shake the world of the Great Yong Dynasty, Huang Tiandao was far inferior in the art of governing the world.

At least ten years have passed, and under the new heavens, these ordinary people have not lived any better.

"Provide grain."

His words were law.

Under the powerful spread of divine thought, there was enough to ensure that every household in this place had enough food to eat, so as to survive this catastrophe in the chaotic world.

After that, Han Shao stopped caring.

Behind him, the Taiping Dao and the Buddhist thieves and bald men would appease the people and spread his fame, competing with the Ji clan and the Huangtian Dao for their support.

The accompanying scholars and officials would also scatter like seeds in the cities and towns along the way, filling the power vacuum left by Huang Tiandao's retreat and rebuilding a stable order.

This was also the purpose of Han Shao's tour.

Being down-to-earth is a way of asserting our existence.

Five dragons pulled the chariot, making a magnificent procession.

This is because what makes God God is distance.

Appropriate respect is good for everyone.

This was also an attempt by Han Shao.

Try to learn how to truly govern the people.

"Let's go, let's move on to the next city."

……

Han Shao wondered if, along his journey, some former nobles from the previous dynasty would lurk among the crowd and utter the words, "He can be replaced!"
And what if a middle-aged rogue was watching the carriage, secretly telling himself...?

'This is what a man should be like'!
Overall, things are relatively calm.

Even if there were some ripples, they were extinguished in an instant and disappeared without a trace.

For example, those aristocratic families that were not completely eradicated.

A simple charge of treason would be enough for Han Shao to justifiably eliminate them all.

Even if someone wants to speak out for them in the future, they will not be able to find a sufficient reason.

After all, what kind of place is Jizhou?
This is the stronghold of the Yellow Emperor's rebels!
If you can stand firm in a den of thieves, how can you possibly remain clean?

what?
Are you deliberately betraying your country and enduring humiliation?
Who can prove it?

Of course, Han Shao's statement was only aimed at those who slipped through the net.

The real large-scale manhunt actually began precisely moments before the start of the battle.

And those who made the move were naturally the 'Yellow Heaven Thieves'!
After all, they were already rebels. It's not normal for them to be so ruthless and engage in widespread punishment of others.

……

After the disastrous defeat at Leyang, Huang Tiandao began to gather troops in Guangzong City on a large scale.

During this process, the Zhenliao Army not only did not obstruct, but even made a gesture of opening the door wide for them.

Of course, you can also interpret it as luring someone into a trap.

In the scorching heat of June, the midsummer sun seemed poised to burn everything in its path.

However, the soldiers on the walls of Guangzong seemed oblivious to the intense heat; many of them turned pale and their bodies were soaked in sweat.

Looking up, one can see a black line stretching for an unknown distance on the distant horizon.

Then, at a speed visible to the naked eye, like a piece of cloth woven by a loom, it slowly and painstakingly wove a huge black curtain onto the land before our eyes.

The Zhenliao Army has finally arrived!
Thirty li, twenty li...

Ten miles!

To everyone's relief, the black-armored tigers and wolves did not choose to attack the city directly, but instead set up camp ten miles away.

On the first day, there was no movement from the Zhenliao Army camp opposite.

The same thing happened the next day.

The third day...

They maintained this posture of surrounding without attacking for five days.

During this period, they even chose to let the Huangtian disciples and believers around them, who originally intended to risk their lives to rush into Guangzong City and were prepared to live and die with Guangzong City, go their own way.

It's easy to get in, but hard to get out.

Elite cavalrymen roaming around the city relentlessly annihilated small groups of Huangtian Army soldiers who were trying to leave the city to seek reinforcements.

After several attempts, Huang Tianjun in the city gradually gave up.

While guarding against a surprise attack by the Zhenliao Army, they tried their best to accept Huangtian disciples and believers from outside into the city.

At the same time, they also vaguely realized it.

The Zhenliao Army's posture of surrounding without attacking suggests that, besides wanting to trap and beat the dog, they are also waiting for something.

'Could it be that he's waiting for someone? Waiting for that Duke of Yan?' In fact, Huang Tianjun in the city guessed correctly.

June 26th.

A royal carriage, escorted by an elite cavalry, slowly drove into the Zhenliao Army camp.

A series of roars and shouts, like the roar of mountains and the roar of the sea, resounded through the sky.

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

The dragon and horse are riding together, their horns and spears gleaming.

Under the blazing sun, the dark scales on its body shimmered with a few streaks of dark gold.

Majestic and supremely noble.

"You've all worked hard."

"I will never forget your merits."

The sound, though not loud, was clear enough for the soldiers to hear clearly.

The next moment, the three armies roared in unison.

May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!

"I am willing to die for my lord!"

Ten thousand years?

Are you sure you're not cursing someone to die young?
A strange look flashed in Han Shao's eyes, but he didn't take it to heart.

He then appeared directly from the carriage.

Li Jing and the others, who had been waiting for a long time, looked at the face under the imperial robes and robes, which looked just like it did back then, and their expressions varied.

Seeing that Han Shao had simply pressed down in the air to stop the army's shouts, they hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

Just as he was about to greet her in person, Han Shao waved him off.

"We're all family, so there's no need for these formalities."

With that, Han Shao spoke directly.

"Let's go, come with me to the city walls and take a look."

……

Under Guangzong City.

Surrounded by his generals, Han Shao casually mounted a warhorse and strolled along.

After stopping, I looked up at the city wall.

The soldiers on the city wall were all astonished by the youth and handsome appearance of this Duke of Yan.

Amidst the shock, many of the Yellow Heaven Taoists revealed expressions of anger and hatred.

In the sixtieth year of the Taikang era, Huang Tiandao swept across eight provinces with unstoppable momentum!

It is this person!

In one battle, he annihilated a million elite troops of Huangtian in Qingzhou, and even the Qingzhou chieftain Cheng Yuanyi died at his hands!
From this point on, Huang Tianjun of Qingzhou never recovered!
Even the entire Yellow Heaven Path was momentarily hindered by its momentum, and it took much effort to recover before it could eventually sweep across eighteen states and occupy most of the world.

But at this moment, after lying low for ten years, this person chose to strike again.

This time, the result was even more devastating.

In the blink of an eye, he personally led a large army to the gates of Guangzong City!
Even the great aspirations and earth-shattering achievements of the Great Teacher of Virtue are now in danger of collapsing at any moment!

Such a deep-seated hatred, such a humiliating disgrace, and such an imminent crisis...

You teach them how to not hate, not be angry, and not be impatient.
They truly wished they could devour its flesh, drink its blood, smash its bones, suck its marrow, sleep on its skin, and pluck its hair!

Such intense hatred and resentment were naturally not unnoticed by Han Shao.

However, he didn't come to the city specifically to invite a scolding.

Therefore, he didn't give those on the city wall a chance to vent their resentment and hatred. Before they could even open their mouths to curse, he said calmly.

"Bring Zhang Xian out to see me."

His tone was indifferent, yet even though he was positioned below the city walls, giving off a domineering and condescending air, he still managed to project an air of superiority.

The anger of the Taoist priests and soldiers on the city wall intensified, and they were about to rebuke the traitor when a soft sigh suddenly filled the air on the city wall.

The next moment, an elderly figure wrapped in a hempen cloak appeared on the city wall.

"Great Master..."

The Huangtian Daoists, who hadn't seen Zhang Xian for a long time since he killed the emperor and slew the dragon, were momentarily stunned.

Zhang Xian glanced back at them, then slowly shook his head and walked to the front of the city wall.

"Half a year has passed since we parted last year. I never expected that Lord Yan would bring his troops here today. It truly makes this old Taoist sigh with regret..."

Upon hearing this, Han Shao ignored the old Taoist's sighs and said in a cold voice.

"I am very disappointed."

Although these words were somewhat cryptic and confusing, Zhang Xian understood them.

He shook his head with a wry smile and said.

"Man proposes, God disposes."

"If this old Taoist priest says that this is not what he wished for, would Lord Yan believe him?"

Looking at the old Taoist's sallow and withered appearance beneath his ordinary features, and the state of being teetering between life and death, Han Shao said with some helplessness.

"Fine, I'll keep my faith."

But whether you believe it or not, what's the point now that things have come to this?
Without giving Zhang Xian a chance to explain further, Han Shao said indifferently.

"I have come to see you today only to ask you one question."

Zhang Xian lowered his gaze and said.

What was the question asked by Duke Yan?

Han Shao snorted coldly.

"His destiny has arrived; he should die, yet he refuses to. What is his intention?"

The mandate of heaven has arrived!

Why do they refuse to die when they should?!

Three short sentences, twelve characters.

To others, these were just ordinary words, but to Zhang Xian, these twelve words were like twelve thunderbolts exploding in his soul.

"If you should die but don't, what... what do you want?"

Standing frozen atop Guangzong City, Zhang Xian muttered the eight-character mantra in a daze, his eyes sometimes filled with confusion and bewilderment, and sometimes with struggle and clarity.

After countless repetitions, at some point, he seemed to have seen through something, and his eyes suddenly showed an unprecedented clarity.

"Destiny! Destiny has arrived... So this is destiny..."

Meanwhile, in a secluded spot somewhere in Guangzong City, a sudden exclamation rang out.

"Oh no! Second brother!"

"Eldest brother's Seven Star Life Lamp has been extinguished!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Ji, the Second Master of the Yellow Heaven and General of the Earth, who was making final improvements to the city's defensive array, changed his expression instantly.

Then, his figure blurred and he appeared directly on the city wall.

"Brother!"

At this time, Zhang Zong followed closely behind.

"Brother!"

Hearing the two shouts, Zhang Xian turned around, opened his mouth as if to say something, but instead spat out a mouthful of hot blood.

Then his body fell straight backward.

Zhang Ji and Zhang Zong, who had caught Zhang Xian in a flash, looked extremely grief-stricken.

"Brother!"

"How could this be?"

The group of Huangtian Daoists and soldiers on the city wall were thrown into chaos by this sudden turn of events.

"Great Master!"

"General Tiangong!"

At this moment, Zhang Xian, whose pupils and soul were rapidly dissipating, gripped the arms of his two brothers tightly, his suddenly widened eyes clearly having too much to say.

In his final moments, he understood everything, yet he couldn't utter a single word.

For a fleeting moment, his gaze pierced through the city wall, looking down at Han Shao with a hint of pleading.

All I got in return was indifference.

That's too late!

That’s all!

With blood gushing from his mouth, Zhang Xian could only look up to the sky and utter a final sentence.

"Heaven has forsaken me, I shall die!"

……

(End of this chapter)