The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 460 Is the Han army truly the best army in the world?

Once the imperial court's decision was made, the imperial edict was issued swiftly.

General Gongsun Xu of Anbei was ordered to join forces with Zhang Hu, the Prefect of Lelang.

They mobilized all the elite troops from Liaodong and Lelang to cross the sea and provide aid to the east.

We must help Silla defeat the Japanese pirates and recover lost territory.

To display the might of the Han Dynasty beyond the borders.

However, the military situation was dire.

The delivery of imperial edicts and the mobilization of troops both take time.

During this period, the internal affairs of Silla Kingdom were completely upheavals.

King Naeje Ni-sik of Silla was beset by internal and external troubles.

On one hand, the Japanese pirates were rampant, their military might pointing directly at the capital, Jincheng.

On one hand, the reinforcements from the Celestial Empire, which they had been eagerly awaiting, were slow to arrive.

The immense pressure finally broke the elderly king's body and mind, and he fell seriously ill, with no cure.

He was at his bedside on his deathbed.

He passed the throne to his son-in-law, who was known for his courage and strategy and enjoyed great popularity, to assist Ben Ni Shi Jin.

Master Zhu Ben was entrusted with this critical mission, and she did not back down in the face of the perilous situation.

He knew that waiting for outside help was not as good as relying on himself, so he adopted the name of the new king.

He issued a nationwide call to action, declaring, "Defend our homeland and expel the Japanese invaders!"

The people of Silla were united in their hatred of the enemy.

Whether they were noble private soldiers or commoner able-bodied men.

Even many women and children took up simple weapons and joined the battle to defend their homeland.

Master Zhu Ben is now leading by example, personally directing operations from the front lines.

Seeing their king's determination, the soldiers and civilians of Silla were greatly encouraged, relying on their familiarity with the terrain and their unwavering resolve to defend their homeland.

A fierce tug-of-war ensued with the Japanese army.

After several bloody battles, the Silla army gradually reversed its decline.

In a crucial counterattack, they decisively defeated the main force of the Japanese army.

The Japanese were routed and retreated in disarray.

Zhu Benni seized the opportunity and ordered his light cavalry to pursue and strike relentlessly.

In the end, they killed more than a thousand Japanese soldiers and captured countless weapons and supplies.

The remaining Japanese pirates saw that Silla was resisting so fiercely, and that they were at a disadvantage in terms of both timing and terrain.

Fearing that Han reinforcements might arrive at any moment, they dared not linger in battle.

They boarded the ships one after another and fled into the vast sea in a panic.

The borders of Silla, having endured the ravages of war, were eventually restored.

Inside Jincheng, the streets were deserted as people cheered and jumped for joy.

Celebrate this hard-won victory.

This battle also brought Ben Nishi's prestige to its peak.

However, while Silla was still immersed in the joy and exhaustion of victory...

Gongsun Xu and Zhang Hu led a massive allied army from Liaodong and Lelang in the Han Dynasty.

They finally arrived at the Silla coast, their military might pointing directly at Geumseong.

Faced with the belated arrival of the "heavenly army," Zhu Benni Shijin led his ministers out of the city to welcome them.

Although the etiquette was in order, his words were no longer as humble and respectful as before.

"Xiao Wang Zhu Ben pays his respects to General Gongsun and Prefect Zhang."

The nun bowed respectfully, her tone calm, yet carrying a subtle hint of aloofness.

"We are grateful for His Majesty the Emperor of the Celestial Empire's concern in sending generals and others from afar to relieve Silla's predicament."

"The King and the people of Silla are deeply grateful."

He changed the subject slightly and continued:
"However, perhaps it was fate, or perhaps the general was delayed on his journey."

"Our Silla people rely on the protection of our ancestors."

"The whole nation was united and, just ten days ago, relied on its own strength."

"After a bloody battle, the Japanese pirates were driven back into the sea, and all lost territory was recovered."

"Now that the territory is at peace, we dare not trouble the general any further."

"I appreciate your kind invitation, General."

These words, seemingly polite, were actually barbed.

The implication couldn't be clearer:

You're too late. We won on our own, so there's nothing for you to do.

It even contains a hint of resentment towards the Celestial Empire for failing to fulfill its suzerain obligations in a timely manner.

And the inevitable overconfidence in their own strength, and even a slight underestimation of the Han army, that a few recent victories could foster.

As the governor of Lelang, Zhang Hu dealt with neighboring vassal states for many years.

Upon hearing this, he frowned slightly.

They sensed a subtle change in the Silla king's attitude.

He turned to look at the commander, Gongsun Xu, and asked in a low voice:

"General Gongsun, the King of Silla's words..."

"What should we do now?"

Gongsun Xu was a descendant of Gongsun Zan.

He was stationed in Liaodong for a long time and had a fierce and unyielding nature.

He has always considered himself a general of the Celestial Empire, but when has he ever been treated so rudely by a vassal state?
His expression remained unchanged, but a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

After a moment's hesitation, he spoke aloud to the nun Zhu Ben:
"...King of Silla, you needn't be so polite."

"Suppressing the Japanese pirates and protecting the borders and people is the duty of the vassal states of the Han Dynasty, and it is also a great event that the Celestial Empire is happy to see."

"However, my army has come from afar on imperial orders."

"Having crossed mountains and seas, we are exhausted and our horses are weary. How can we return immediately?"

"Moreover, although the Japanese pirates have retreated, it is hard to guarantee that they will not make a comeback."

"In my opinion, our army should temporarily garrison near Jincheng."

"Firstly, to allow the troops to rest and recuperate, and secondly, to deter the villains from harming the King of Silla, thus ensuring the safety of the army."

"As for the provisions and expenses..."

His gaze swept over the nun Zhuben, "Then I will trouble the King of Silla to make the arrangements for now."

"I will report this to the court and then make a decision."

With this remark,
Before Zhuben Nishijin could respond, some of the Silla ministers behind him already showed expressions of resentment.

We won the battle ourselves; you didn't contribute a single bit.

Now they want to stay here and refuse to leave, and even want us to supply them with food and fodder?
How can such a thing be reasonable?

However, Zhu Benni Shijin knew that the Han Dynasty was powerful and far beyond what Silla could contend with.

If we refuse outright at this moment, it may cause trouble.

He suppressed his displeasure and forced a smile:
"General, your considerations are thorough; I admire you greatly."

"In that case, we shall do as the general wishes."

"Then Xiao Wang ordered his men to arrange the camp site and prepare wine, meat and provisions to welcome the general and the soldiers of the Celestial Empire."

As a result, nearly 10,000 Han soldiers were stationed outside the capital of Silla, Geumseong.

When the news spread, the people of Silla were filled with resentment.

The people had just experienced the ravages of war, their homes were in need of reconstruction, and their food reserves were already low.

Now they have to support a Han army that has not helped them and seems to have "usurped" their place.

Discontent is growing.

The Silla army was most indignant about this.

Among them was the renowned general Xi Yu, who made outstanding contributions in the war against Japanese pirates.

Shi Yu Lao was a famous general in the history of Silla.

Not only did they quell the internal strife in Silla, but they also made numerous outstanding contributions in the war against Japanese pirates.

He was of a strong character and already harbored resentment towards the Han army for arriving late.

Now, seeing that the Han army not only refused to leave but also consumed Silla's already strained resources, he was even more furious.

When arranging the provisions for rewarding the troops, Xi Yu secretly instructed the cook in charge of the meals:

"The freshly hunted venison, aged wine, and fine rice will be given priority to our soldiers who are fighting valiantly!"

"As for the Han army..."

He snorted coldly, "Give them some old millet, salted fish and dried vegetables, enough to fill their stomachs!"

"The Celestial Empire is rich in resources, so it surely doesn't lack our meager food!"

Once the order was given, the food rations in the Han army camp and the Silla army camp became vastly different.

The Han soldiers of Liaodong were stationed in the harsh and cold border regions year-round, and their lives were inherently difficult.

On this expedition, we are hoping to receive some reward and improve our diet.

What we're receiving now is coarse food that's hard to swallow.

Meanwhile, the aroma of wine and meat wafted from the neighboring Silla military camp, instantly igniting the crowd's anger.

Several hot-tempered captains and lieutenants immediately led a group of soldiers.

They confronted the Silla official in charge of supplies with great force.

"What do you mean by this?!"

A Han army captain with a full beard pointed at the mixed millet and salted fish and questioned them angrily.

"Is this the courtesy you vassals show to your sovereign's heavenly army?"

"You think you can fob us off with this swill of pigs and dogs?!"

Just then, the old man Yu happened to be inspecting the area and came upon hearing the sound.

He glanced sideways at the Han army officers, his face full of disdain and mockery, and said loudly:
"The wine, meat, and grain of Silla are meant to reward the warriors who defend their homeland and fight valiantly on the battlefield!"

"It's not meant to feed those lazy, ignorant wolves!"

"You have not accomplished a single merit, how dare you be so picky?"

The word "jackal" was like igniting a powder keg!

The Han army has always held itself in high regard, considering itself a "heavenly army."

When have we ever been so humiliated in front of a vassal army?

"presumptuous!"

"How dare these barbarians insult my Heavenly Army!"

"beat him!"

Amidst the shouts and curses, it's unclear who struck first.

The soldiers from both sides immediately started fighting, which quickly escalated into a large-scale armed conflict.

They were attacked with sticks, fists, and feet; some even drew their short knives.

The scene was chaotic.
Screams, shouts, and the clash of weapons filled the air.

By the time Zhang Hu and Zhu Benni Shijin, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, had each suppressed their own troops, dozens of people on both sides had already been killed or wounded.

Blood stained the ground in front of the camp.

With the strong persuasion of the two leaders, the conflict was temporarily suppressed.

But the seeds of hatred have already been sown.

The Han army, from top to bottom, all felt extremely humiliated.

They considered themselves to be of high status as the suzerain state, but now they were being slighted and humiliated by a vassal state, and even lost their brothers.

How can we swallow this insult?

Some arrogance-driven rank-and-file soldiers had nowhere to vent their anger.

They began to sneak out of the camp in groups of three or five and cause trouble in the streets of Jincheng.

They broke into people's homes and robbed them of their food and belongings.

Any resistance was met with physical violence.

Even worse, some would commit adultery with any Silla woman they saw.

For a time,

Cries and screams echoed throughout the city and beyond, and the people of Silla were filled with resentment.

Local officials hurriedly reported the situation to General Xi Yulao.

When Old Yu heard the news, he flew into a rage, his hair and beard standing on end.

"How dare the officials and soldiers of the Celestial Empire bully my people like this?!"

"Does Silla really think there's no one else in it?!"

He immediately mustered a squad of personal guards and personally rode his horse into the city.

Just then, several Han soldiers were seen laughing and joking as they walked out of a house, carrying the stolen cloth and chickens and ducks in their hands.

Even though the old man's eyes were bloodshot, he didn't say much.

He spurred his horse forward, and with a swift stroke of his knife, he cut melons and vegetables with ease.

These Han soldiers who were committing atrocities were beheaded on the spot!

Blood splattered, and gasps of alarm filled the streets.

The news quickly reached the Han army camp.

The Han army officers, who were already seething with anger, were in an uproar when they heard that their soldiers had been killed in the street by a Silla general.

"Reverse! Reverse!"

"These barbarians are rebelling!"

"They're nothing but a bunch of savages from a tiny, insignificant state."

"It is an honor for the heavenly soldiers to be stationed here!"

"How dare you kill my Heavenly Dynasty soldiers!"

"If we don't avenge this humiliation, how can we face the world?"

Several radical officers rushed to the central command tent and reported to Gongsun Xu, embellishing the story.

The novel downplays the atrocities committed by the Han soldiers, but exaggerates how arrogant and domineering Old Yu was in the past.

How cruelly they murdered the soldiers of the Celestial Empire, how they showed no regard for the Han Dynasty.

Gongsun Xu was already resentful because he had been rebuffed by the King of Silla.

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, he was even more enraged.

He guarded the frontier for many years, was decisive in killing, and had a domineering personality.

They have always regarded the surrounding foreign tribes as worthless, and have never been subjected to such "provocation" before.
"Well done, Silla! Well done, Silla!"

Gongsun Xu slammed his hand on the table, stood up abruptly, and his face was filled with murderous intent.

"You killed my soldiers and dishonored the might of Heaven!"

"Do they really think someone's blade is blunt?!"

"Send the order! muster the troops! Follow me to meet that reckless barbarian general!"

in an instant,
The drums and horns of the Han army camp sounded in unison.

Thousands of elite armored soldiers quickly assembled, led by Gongsun Xu.

With murderous intent, they rushed straight to the old military camp.

the other side,
After Yu Lao killed the Han soldiers, he knew that this matter would not end well.

They also reorganized their troops and prepared for battle.

The two armies met in an open field outside Jincheng, and tensions were high.

The atmosphere was as tense as a taut bowstring.

Gongsun Xu reined in his horse before the battle, pointed his whip at Xi Yu Lao, and shouted sternly:

"Old Yu! Do you know your crime?! How dare you kill soldiers of the Celestial Empire without authorization!"

Old Yu, showing no fear, charged forward on horseback, spear in hand, his voice booming like a bell:
"Gongsun Xu! You have allowed your subordinates to plunder my people and rape my women."

"Their military discipline is so poor that they are no different from bandits!"

"Since you can't control your wolves, don't blame me for acting on the laws of the Celestial Empire and disciplining them for you!"

"presumptuous!!"

Gongsun Xu was so angry that his face turned ashen.

"When did it become your place to order my men around, you barbarian?!"

"By killing my soldiers, you are showing contempt for the Celestial Empire, a crime akin to treason!"

"Today is your death day!"

Upon hearing this, Old Yu looked up to the sky and laughed loudly, his laughter filled with grief, indignation, and resolute determination.
"Hahaha! Gongsun Xu!"

"Don't think that just because you consider yourself the Celestial Empire, you can act recklessly!"

"Though my Silla Kingdom is small, not a single person is a coward who fears death or submits to tyranny!"

"If you want to fight, then fight!"

"Even if blood stains the battlefield, I will let you know the spirit of the Silla people!"

"Good! Good! Good!"

Gongsun Xu said "good" three times in a row, his eyes revealing a murderous intent.

"Since you've chosen your own death, this general will grant your wish!"

"All soldiers, listen to my command! Kill them all!"

"Raze this camp to the ground, leave no one alive!"

"kill--!"

With a command from Gongsun Xu
The Han army, poised for battle, launched a fierce assault on the Silla army formation like a flood bursting its banks.

Old Yu once brandished his gun and shouted:

"Warriors of Silla! Today is the day to defend our homeland!"

"Follow me to kill the enemy!!"

In an instant, war drums thundered and horns blared.

The arrows flew like locusts, blotting out the sky.

The sounds of clashing swords and spears, shouts of battle, and screams of agony echoed across the fields.

Two armies that were nominally "allies" not long ago engaged in a fierce and brutal battle on the land of Silla!

The blood quickly stained the earth red.

……

Outside Jincheng, war clouds gathered and murderous intent soared to the sky.

The Liaodong Han army under Gongsun Xu's command was like a tiger unleashed from its cage.

Fueled by the anger of being "disrespected," they launched an overwhelming offensive against the Silla army.

These fierce border soldiers have been dealing with the nomadic tribes beyond the Great Wall for many years.

They were tempered in harsh and dangerous conditions, and although military discipline was lax, they often engaged in looting.

However, their fierceness, bravery, bloodthirstiness, and warlike nature make them arguably the best in the world.

They were clad in fine iron armor and wielded sharp ring-pommel swords or long halberds.

The bows and crossbows were all standard, powerful bows and crossbows, far superior to those of the Silla army.

In contrast, the Silla army, though having just experienced a bloody battle against the Japanese pirates, still had high morale.

Moreover, their determination to protect their homeland and defend their country is very strong.

However, its equipment was truly rudimentary.
Most soldiers wore only leather armor or simple bamboo armor.

The weapons were mostly cast from bronze or inferior iron, and the power of their bows and arrows was far inferior to that of the Han army.

The moment the two armies clashed, the difference in strength was immediately apparent.

Arrows rained down on the Han army, dense as locusts.

In an instant, the Silla front line was covered, and cries of agony filled the air.

Immediately afterwards, heavily armored infantry advanced like a mountain, their blades flashing.

Silla soldiers fell like mowing grass.

The Liaodong cavalry then maneuvered around the flanks, their horses trampling the ground and their spears thrusting forward.

The Silla army's formation was shattered.

In the past, Yu Lao took the lead, wielding his spear and fighting fiercely, killing several Han soldiers in succession.

However, individual bravery is not enough to save the overall situation.

He watched as his men suffered heavy casualties under the fierce offensive of the Han army, and the battle lines retreated continuously.

Knowing that they were no match for him in open field combat, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and give the order:
"Withdraw! The entire army retreats to Jincheng! Hold the city and defend it!"

When the gong sounded, the Silla army felt as if they had been granted a pardon.

They fled in disarray, abandoning their armor and weapons, and retreated in utter defeat towards Jincheng.

The Han army seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack, only halting their advance when the arrows from below the city were no longer within range.

The gates of Jincheng City slammed shut, the drawbridge was raised, and the city walls were instantly filled with tense Silla garrison troops.

Gongsun Xu reined in his horse at the foot of the city wall, gazing at the Silla banners fluttering atop the wall.

And there was that faintly visible, resentful face of the old man, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Hmph, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, overestimating your own strength!"

"Order the siege! Starve these arrogant barbarians to death!"

In an instant, the Han army completely surrounded Jincheng.

Inside the royal palace,

Upon hearing the news of the battle outside the city and the siege of the city by the Han army, Zhu Benni Shi was both shocked and furious.

He immediately ordered an audience with the old man.

"Old Master Xi Yu! How could you... how could you be so reckless!"

The nun was so angry that her fingers trembled.

"They actually turned their swords against the Heavenly Dynasty general! Now they've attracted a large army to besiege the city."

"This...what should I do?!"

Old Yu, covered in blood and with tattered armor, still held his head high and refused to kneel, angrily declaring:

"Your Majesty! It is not that I wish to provoke you, but the Han army has gone too far!"

"His soldiers plundered, raped, and committed all sorts of evil deeds."

"If I do not act, how can I face the people of Jincheng? How can I be called a general of Silla?"

"Endure the calm for a while!"

The nun, Zhu Ben, stamped her foot and said.

"Our Silla Kingdom is small and weak; how could it be a match for the Han Dynasty?"

"A woman's meager possessions are no loss!"

"If it can bring about the early departure of the Han army and preserve the ancestral temples and the state, what is wrong with that?"

"Do you know that the Liaodong army is a group of border wolves tacitly approved by the Han court, and their military discipline is notoriously bad?"

"If even the imperial court doesn't care, why should we insist on stepping forward?"

Just then, a palace attendant came to report.

Yan Gongsun Xu refused the cattle and wine previously sent as a token of appreciation, and sent a message:
"If you want to make peace, you must put the head of the old man on a plate."

"Send him to the front lines to apologize!"

"Otherwise, on the day the city falls, not a single chicken or dog will be spared!"

Upon hearing this, the nun Zhu Ben's expression turned even more unpleasant, and she turned to Elder Xi Yu.

His tone was full of resentment and helplessness:

"Listen! Can you hear this? All this trouble is because of you!"

"The Han general is determined to take your head. What am I to do?"

When Old Yu heard this, he was not afraid at all; instead, he straightened his back.

Her gaze was fixed intently on the nun, Zhu Ben:

"Your Majesty! Gongsun Xu's demands are an attempt to trample on the dignity of Silla and to treat us, his sovereign and his subjects, as nothing!"

"If you agree and personally kill the meritorious officials who fought for the country, how will you face the court officials in the future?"

How should we face the military and civilians across the country?

"The anti-Japanese hero did not die by the sword of the Japanese, but died under the coercion of the suzerain state. How will the people of the country view Your Majesty?"

"How can my soldiers be truly convinced?"

Seeing the hesitation on the nun's face, he knew what she was afraid of.

He then stepped forward, lowered his voice, but his tone became increasingly impassioned:
"Your Majesty! The arrogance of the Han envoys did not begin today!"

“In the past, Zhang Qian forced the white-haired King Kunmo of Wusun to kneel down, thus humiliating his country.”

"Another Han envoy dared to defile the inner chambers of a foreign empress dowager, committing acts of bestiality."

"The King of Loulan hesitated only slightly before being beheaded in public by the Han envoy Fu Jiezi."

"Hang their heads at the northern gate, and let our troops humiliate the people of Loulan!"

"Even the North Korean envoy who was escorted by He He was killed and falsely credited!"

"Such examples are numerous throughout history!"

"What does the Han court regard us, its vassal states, as mere servants whom they can take and demand at will?"

Old Yu's words were not unfounded.

From the perspective of the Han people themselves, they are indeed courageous and domineering towards foreign powers.

Historical records also avoid mentioning the faults of the powerful Han dynasty, instead using the euphemism, "Those who offend the mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished."

But those who have truly read history books know that...

The Han envoys of that time were the "world police," relying on their powerful motherland.

He acts like a hooligan everywhere and courts death.

Therefore, the Han Envoy Team was also jokingly referred to as the "Death-Seeking Team".

including but not limited to:

He slept with the queen mother of another country, kidnapped the prince of another country, forced the old king to kneel before him, and murdered ministers of another country, among other things.

For example, when the Han envoy An Guo Shao Ji was sent to the Nanyue Kingdom, he slept with the Queen Dowager of Nanyue.

Historical records state, "The crown prince succeeded to the throne, and his mother became the empress dowager."

"Before the Empress Dowager became Consort Yingqi, she had an affair with Anguo Shaoji of Baling..."

“Wang Nianshao, the Empress Dowager is Chinese, and he once had an affair with An Guoshaoji. He then sent him to have an affair with An Guoshaoji again.”

"Many of the people knew this, and most did not support the Empress Dowager."

These are just the tip of the iceberg in history books.

As for why Han envoys were so unwelcome?
Another reason is that most of the Han envoys were not officially appointed.

Regardless of your background, if you want to be sent as an envoy to the imperial court, we will send you.

Even official Han envoys are so arrogant.

Need I say more about what kind of trouble those unofficial staff can cause?

Of course, the Han envoys did indeed have reason to be arrogant.

The foundation was laid as early as the foreign wars during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

As stated in the opening remarks of "Emperor Wu of Han":

"He established a nation with unprecedented dignity, he gave a people the confidence to stand tall for millennia, and his nation's name became the eternal name of a great people."

Because the Han envoys were "famous," the Silla people were very unfriendly towards them.

Old Yu took a deep breath, his voice filled with sorrow and resolve:
"Your Majesty! If they demand my head today, they can demand the throne tomorrow!"

"Are you willing to swallow your anger and remain in this Golden City Palace?"

"To be a puppet king who is always at the mercy of the Han people and dependent on their whims."

"Or would you rather stand tall and be a true Silla ruler who protects his subjects and preserves their dignity?!"

The nun was deeply moved by what Master Yu had said, and her expression changed constantly.

He remained silent for a long time, and only his heavy breathing could be heard in the hall.

Finally, he sighed deeply and said with concern:
"Your words are like thunder in my ears. How could I, the king, wish to suffer such humiliation?"

"However...you have personally witnessed the strength of the Han army."

"A field battle would crumble at the first sign of trouble, and now the city is under siege. What can be done?"

Old Yu, seeing that the king was interested, immediately offered a plan:
"Your Majesty! Although the Han army is formidable, its weaknesses are also evident!"

“They came from afar, and their supply lines are long. They rely entirely on sea transport and supplies from our Silla.”

"Now that they've turned against us, their supply lines are cut off!"

“More important,” he said, pointing to the overcast sky that was faintly visible outside the palace.

"It is already late autumn, and the cold winter will arrive in the blink of an eye!"

"The winters in Silla are even more bitterly cold than those in Liaodong!"

"As long as we fortify our defenses and clear the fields, and burn or transport all the grain and fodder outside the city into the city, the army and the people will be of one mind."

"With the fortifications of Jincheng, we will hold our ground with all our might!"

"When the mountains are blocked by heavy snow, sea routes will be difficult to navigate."

"With their food supplies exhausted and reinforcements cut off, the Han army, suffering from hunger and cold, will surely collapse without a fight!"

"At that time, our army will be able to launch a full-scale attack after leaving the city!"

The nun's eyes gleamed, clearly indicating that she was engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

On one side was the powerful, imminent threat of the Han army.

On one hand, there is national dignity and the long-term future.

He paced back and forth for a moment, then suddenly stopped, gritting his teeth and saying:

"Enough! Enough! Enough!"

"Rather than grovel and live a life of ignominy."

"Why not rise up and fight for the destiny of Silla!"

"Then we shall follow your plan! Issue the order to fortify the walls and clear the fields, hold our ground and await any change in circumstances!"

"The entire nation, both soldiers and civilians, shall unite to face this national crisis!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Old Yu was so excited that he knelt down in gratitude.

Once the king's order was issued, swift action was taken both inside and outside Jincheng.

Grain stores in villages outside the city were all moved or burned, wells were filled in, and all the people evacuated into the city.

Master Ben, like Elder Yu in the past, personally ascended the city wall to boost morale and explain the strategy for holding the city.

Although the people and soldiers of Silla feared the strength of the Han army, they hated its arrogance and tyranny even more, and the king and generals were determined to fight to the death.

Thus, the people were united as one, vowing to live and die with Jincheng.

Outlying camp

Upon hearing that Silla not only refused to offer up the head of the old man, but also began to fortify its defenses and adopt a posture of long-term siege, Gongsun Xu was shocked.

He was enraged.
"What a great help! What a great old man!"

"You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences! Do you really think we can't do anything to this little Jincheng?!"

"Send the order! Build siege ladders and prepare battering rams."

"At dawn tomorrow, launch a full-scale attack on the city!"

Seeing this, Zhang Hu hurriedly tried to stop him:

"General, please calm down! Since the Silla people are determined to resist, a direct attack would likely result in heavy casualties."

"Moreover, their strategy of fortifying walls and clearing the fields was intended to prolong the war."

"Although our army brought some food supplies with us, it cannot last long."

"Furthermore, the weather is turning cold, so it would be better to halt our troops beneath a fortified city."

"Once the snowstorm arrives, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

"Perhaps...we should retreat for now and reconsider our strategy?"

Gongsun Xu was in a fit of anger and wouldn't listen to anything.

He glanced sideways at Zhang Hu, his words laced with sarcasm:

“Prefect Zhang, you are still young and inexperienced in major battles.”

“The fear of war is understandable.”

"However, I have followed the late emperor in his campaigns across the land, and what kind of battles haven't I seen?"

"Even if your father, Zhang Wenyuan, were here, he would still advocate for war!"

"How can we allow such barbarians to be so arrogant?"

"Enough talk, watch me break through the city!"

Zhang Hu was speechless, his face turning red. He sighed inwardly, but he could no longer offer any advice.

The following day, the Han army launched a fierce attack on Jincheng.

Ladders were erected, battering rams rammed the city gates, and arrows rained down on the city walls.

However, the Silla army and people resisted with exceptional tenacity.

In the past, Yu Lao personally supervised the battle and commanded with composure.

Logs, stones, and molten oil poured down as archers aimed and fired fiercely at the climbing Han soldiers.

Despite the danger, the nun Zhu Ben appeared on the city wall to encourage the defending soldiers.

The Han army climbed the city wall several times, but each time they were pushed back down by the selfless Silla soldiers with their own flesh and blood.

The battle lasted from dawn until sunset, and the city walls were piled high with corpses.

The Han army suffered heavy casualties, but failed to shake Jincheng in the slightest.

For several days in a row, the offensive continued unabated, but Jincheng remained steadfast and unyielding.

As Mr. Xi had predicted, the weather quickly turned cold.

The north wind howled, and the sky was overcast.

Finally, one morning, the first snow of the winter fell.

The snowflakes were initially fine and scattered, but soon turned into a heavy, downpour that blanketed the land.

The temperature plummeted, and the wind was biting cold.

The soldiers of the Han army were mostly from Liaodong, and although they were resistant to the cold.

However, being in a foreign country at this moment, there is a lack of sufficient warm tents and winter clothes.

Furthermore, food supplies became difficult to replenish due to Silla's scorched-earth policy, and shortages began to appear.

Frostbite began to appear in the camp, and morale plummeted rapidly amid the cold and hunger.

The siege had to be slowed down and eventually stopped completely.

Zhang Hu met with Gongsun Xu again, speaking earnestly:
"General! The snowstorm is raging, and our supplies are running low."

"The soldiers are hungry and cold, and their injuries and illnesses are increasing daily!"

"Jincheng is difficult to capture quickly; if we linger any longer, our entire army may be wiped out!"

"For the sake of the soldiers' lives and for the sake of preserving the court's strength, we must withdraw our troops immediately!"

Gongsun Xu looked out at the swirling snow outside the tent and at the pale-faced soldiers huddled together for warmth in the camp.

Finally snapping out of his rage, he realized the gravity of the situation.

His face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh.

Filled with resentment and humiliation, yet forced to squeeze out a single word through gritted teeth:

"……withdraw!"

Upon receiving the order to retreat, the Han army, like frightened birds, hastily broke camp.

However, they came with great momentum, but retreated in a sorry state.

Snowstorms blocked the roads, supplies were scarce, and morale was low.

What's worse, would Old Master Xi possibly let such a good opportunity slip by?
Just as the Han army withdrew from the area of ​​Jincheng,

When they reached a treacherous place called "Xingxing Valley", deafening shouts of battle suddenly erupted from the foothills on both sides!
In the past, Yu Lao personally led the elite troops of Silla, taking advantage of their familiarity with the terrain and the cover of wind and snow.

They launched a fierce ambush against the Han army!
Logs and boulders rolled down the hillside, and arrows shot out from the dense forest.

The Han army, starving and freezing and with no will to fight, was thrown into chaos.

The trampling of men and horses resulted in countless deaths and injuries.

Although Gongsun Xu and Zhang Hu tried their best to organize resistance, the morale of the army had collapsed, and there was no way to reverse the situation.

In the ensuing melee, the Han army suffered heavy losses, with corpses strewn across the battlefield.

They barely managed to fight their way out and fled north in panic.

The retreat route became a road to death.

As the snowstorm intensified and supplies ran out, countless people along the way froze or starved to death.

The once arrogant and invincible Liaodong Han army is now reduced to beggars, supporting each other.

Stumbling through the icy snow, the scene was utterly tragic.

When Gongsun Xu and Zhang Hu finally escaped back to Liaodong with less than half of their remaining troops.

He was already emaciated and unrecognizable.

While they were still in shock, the imperial envoys who came to hold them accountable had already arrived at the Liaodong Prefectural Governor's Office.

The envoy, with a stern expression, read aloud the imperial edict of inquiry.

They questioned why the rescue of Silla had been delayed for so long, wasting money and supplies.

In the end, why did it suffer such a crushing defeat?

Gongsun Xu was both shocked and frightened, and felt extremely humiliated.

He knew that the main reason for the defeat was his underestimation of the enemy, rash advance, and improper handling of the situation.

However, his strong sense of pride and fear of punishment led him to choose to cover up his mistakes.

He wrote a memorial overnight, trying his best to downplay the Han army's looting in Silla and his own decision-making errors.

Instead, they spoke ill of Silla for its arrogance, rudeness, and ingratitude.

How Yu Lao provoked them in the past, how he betrayed his promise to Master Ben, and even hinted that Silla might be colluding with the Japanese pirates...

The blame for the defeat was largely placed on the "unruly" Silla.

When this embellished battle report was sent to Weiyang Palace in Luoyang by express courier, it immediately caused a huge uproar.

When Emperor Liu Shan of Han read the memorial written by Gongsun Xu, he only saw that it briefly stated:

"Your humble servant, General Gongsun Xu of Anbei, bows twice and respectfully reports to the Imperial Palace:"

"I was originally a soldier from the borderlands, but I was promoted by the Holy Dynasty and given the authority to command troops. I always thought of serving on the battlefield to repay the Emperor's grace."

"In the second month of this year, I received an imperial edict from Luoyang and led 5,000 elite troops across the sea to the east to eliminate the Japanese pirate threat to Silla."

"The fleet endured three months of turbulent waves, and many soldiers contracted malaria."

He still held his halberd and rushed forward swiftly, not daring to slacken in the slightest.

"Upon arriving in Geumseong, Silla's Zhuben Nishi led his officials to welcome him outside the city, but their ceremony was simple and slow, with only a minor official serving a small amount of wine to reward the troops."

"I observed that the city walls were well-maintained and the armor and weapons were of excellent quality, and thus I knew that the threat of the Japanese pirates had been eliminated."

"In the past, General Yu, in front of everyone, raised his whip and said to me: 'The heavenly army has arrived late. My Silla soldiers have already burned thirty Japanese ships and beheaded two thousand.'"

“His words were arrogant and disdainful of the superior nation.”

"Although I was angry, I still presented him with 30,000 bolts of silk and 1,000 bushels of rice seeds as a gesture of appeasement."

"However, Silla became increasingly arrogant after receiving the supplies, and even closed its granaries and cut off its firewood and charcoal, forcing our army to sleep in the open fields."

“In the past, Yu Lao allowed his troops to seize my warhorses and injure my scouts.”

“Whenever they inquired about the situation with the Japanese, they would always use ‘dangerous mountains and rivers’ as an excuse to evade the issue.”

"If they wish to assemble troops for patrols, they should say, 'The king's command is hard to disobey.'"

"I have repeatedly sent my military advisor with imperial credentials to question her, but the nun Zhu Ben now claims illness and refuses to appear, only sending a minor official to convey the message: 'Is it too late to send an umbrella when it's already raining?'"

"As autumn deepened, an epidemic broke out in the army, and their food supplies were running out."

"Silla merchants hoarded rice and speculated on its price; a single bushel of millet cost ten thousand coins."

“The soldiers were resentful, and if anyone took firewood from the people, the Silla officials would bind them, whip them, and hang their heads in the market.”

"I have heard that when the Silla envoy secretly met with the Japanese envoy at Ulsan Port, many of the Silla nobles carried Japanese swords, which raises suspicions."

At that time, the army was in turmoil, and they all said: "We were ordered by the king to go on a distant expedition, but we have been humiliated by your small country!"

"I fear that this will delay military operations, so I have organized troops to patrol the border."

"Unexpectedly, the border people of Silla gathered to block the road and threw stones, injuring our vanguard."

“In the past, Yu Lao personally led more than a thousand iron cavalry, drawing their bows to confront the enemy.”

"In order to protect themselves, our army temporarily seized grain from the people, but Silla actually raised the beacon to warn them that the Han army had plundered their state."

“Zhu Benni Shi has now sent an envoy to rebuke me, and his words are mostly rebellious, even breaking the alliance agreement.”

"Winter has arrived suddenly, the sea routes are frozen, and we have run out of supplies and aid."

"I had no choice but to move my troops to Xiongjin. Silla ambushes sprang up from all sides, taking advantage of the wind and snow to launch a surprise attack."

"Our troops were freezing and starving, and all their bowstrings broke. After three days and nights of bloody fighting, they lost two thousand men."

"Fortunately, thanks to the fierce battle fought by the rearguard, we were able to escape the encirclement."

"Now, as I examine the remnants of the army, I sigh deeply: Silla, though claiming to be a vassal state, harbors the heart of a treacherous beast."

"Having received the blessings of the Celestial Empire for a hundred years, we have forgotten the kindness of sharing our clothes and food."

"After achieving a minor victory against foreign aggression, they developed the ambition to conquer the Central Plains."

"They outwardly appear to be fighting against the Japanese pirates, but inwardly they are colluding. This is the certainty that I have determined through my investigation day and night."

"In the past, Yu Laolang had a wolfish appearance, and now he has the heart of a snake and scorpion. If he is not eliminated soon, he will surely become a great threat to Liaodong."

"Your subject is foolish and dull, failing to recognize the treacherous plot earlier, thus damaging the majesty of the Emperor, and deserves to die ten thousand times."

"However, the soldiers' blood stained the snowfield, and the wronged souls still howl among the white birches. We humbly beg the heavenly army to return, to uphold the rites of a vassal state, and to wipe away the shame of our defeated army."

"Although I have been dismissed from my post and am awaiting punishment, I am still willing to serve as a vanguard and revive the banners of the Han dynasty."

"Tears stream down my face as I write this, and I know not what to say."

"On the first day of the twelfth month of the second year of Jianxing, General Gongsun Xu of Anbei respectfully submits this memorial with tears of blood."

The government and the public were shaken, and public sentiment was outraged!
Since the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, when has there ever been such a case of a vassal state being so "rebellious" and the imperial army being so "humiliated"?
"How dare you, a mere Silla!"

"They must be severely punished! As a warning to others!"

"Send a large army to crush Silla, capture its king and chieftain, and present them as prisoners to the emperor!"

An outcry of anger swept through the court, and an even larger storm was brewing.

However, what is the truth?

But it was temporarily buried by the swirling snow and the selfishness of those involved.

(End of this chapter)