As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 340 United as one
Mingchen and the Alliance Leader built a snowman on the beach, made a bet, and leisurely enjoyed the winter sea view, watching the waves and listening to music, having a wonderful time.

But on the other side, the atmosphere was completely different.

"This...this, how is this possible?! Isn't Bei Lie locked in a stalemate with the Duke of Anguo outside the Three Passes?"

"Why did you arrive so quickly?!"

"How can this be?!"

"Really?! What should we do?"

……

A large crowd gathered in front of the notice board in Yueyang City.

Yueyang City was already a prosperous city, and now that the emperor had returned here, it was as if he had found his backbone, which added to his confidence.

The new year has just passed, and the future is full of hope; everything is looking good.

However, the sudden news struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

People stared blankly at the notice posted by the imperial court, their eyes wide, as if they were seeing things.

Disaster is imminent. Bei Lie is leading tens of thousands of troops toward Yueyang and will soon arrive to attack the city. Emperor Qian and those who remain in Yueyang will live and die with Yueyang. We earnestly hope that the people will unite in hatred against the enemy and jointly resist the bandits.

That's roughly the idea.

How could this be?
A few days ago, news of the court's celebration was received. The Duke of Anguo's ingenious plan to seize two passes in the north had spread throughout the city and was even given a mythical touch. Upon hearing this, Zheng Yang of Xiangmanlou was inspired and wrote furiously to continue compiling the story of his idol.

However, even under these circumstances, the imperial court sent this message.

Enemy forces from the North? Coming from across the sea? Tens of thousands strong? Is Yueyang in danger?
Such niche terms.

Just moments ago, they were enjoying the New Year and celebrating victory, but in the blink of an eye, disaster is imminent and war is about to break out.

The stark contrast left these people, who enjoyed peace and tranquility and were full of hope for the future, completely bewildered.

No one was mentally prepared for this to happen.

The common people are not soldiers who obey orders and fight to the death.

They will be afraid, they will back down, and their first instinct when disaster strikes is to run away.

This is normal.

This time it's the enemy country, Bei Lie, they're not even as good as the Blood-Clad Army!
The Blood-Clad Army entered Yueyang, but only managed a small-scale looting, and was subsequently disciplined by Wang Huai to establish his authority.

But Bei Lie is completely different.

Bei Lie did not have a good reputation in Qian Yuan. When the two countries were at war, the northern border was desolate for thousands of miles, with starving people everywhere and the people suffering.

The Northern Lie people are ruthless killers who regard human life as worthless.

This is partly due to the propaganda of the Qian Yuan government, and partly due to the fact that Bei Lie brought this upon himself.

When a country unifies the world, does it truly unify the land?
Actually, that's not the case. What should be unified is the people on the land, at least in this era.

How could Qin Lou not understand the importance of public opinion?

If he truly harbors a grand ambition to unify the world, he must earn the respect of everyone in the world.

However, sometimes the realities simply don't allow it.

The Northern Lie were short of food, and sometimes they had no choice but to fight to sustain their war effort, resorting to plunder and killing to replenish their supplies.

Furthermore, the contradictions between the two countries are too great, and war would be an outlet for these contradictions, inevitably leading to many extreme problems.

Due to a combination of factors, the Northern Lie enemy army was undoubtedly a monstrous threat in the eyes of the Qian Yuan people. If they were to be occupied, it would be as good as being dead.

Tian Hong's journey across the sea was a forced march, and he was also forced to engage in plunder-style resupply.

This impression will likely deepen in the future.

"What should we do? What should we do? We should run away quickly... The government has issued a proclamation that we will not be allowed to enter or leave in three days."

"Quick, let's go home! That's Bei Lie, the ruthless killer!"

Why doesn't Your Majesty leave?

Upon hearing that the Northern Lie army was about to besiege the city, the people of Yueyang City were struck dumb with fear.

Many people scrambled away, their first instinct being to pack their bags and leave Yueyang.

this is normal phenomenon.

Xiao Xinyue did not ask all the people to support her or die for her.

She even gave the terrified people some time to flee before the enemy arrived.

Unity between the military and the people cannot be forced.

Those who are forced to stay will not be of any use; on the contrary, they will be filled with anxiety and their morale will be shaken.

Some people want to escape, some are terrified... just let these people leave.

Fewer people remained, but they were united in their resolve.

"Humph!"

"Look at you all, what kind of state are you in?!"

"If this gets out, won't we be ridiculed by those brutes from Bei Lie?!"

"Unworthy of being a man."

"His Majesty has ordered you to leave, so you truly intend to abandon your sovereign and your country?"

There are people who are filled with fear and anxiety.

Similarly, there are also brave and loyal people.

Several men stood in front of the bulletin board, arms crossed, looking at the disheveled and desperate people, and snorted coldly.

"Even though Her Majesty is a person of great honor, she did not flee with her guards but stayed behind to live and die with Yueyang."

"Instead, you ran away in fear!"

"Hmph, I, Liu San, will stay! I will defend Yueyang alongside His Majesty!"

"There will never be another emperor like His Majesty!"

"Where Your Majesty is, lies the Qian Yuan!"

"If His Majesty were to perish, if the nation were to fall, what would be the point of our mere existence?!"

"The Northerners always laugh at us Southerners for being cunning and spineless; they're talking about people like you."

……

There are always some people who don't prioritize life and death.

There are always things more important than life itself.

Xiao Xinyue is that kind of person; she has shown her sincerity and genuine care for the people.

As the most honored person, she had the ability to be protected and escape to a safe place.

But she stayed, risking her life to protect something beyond life and death.

Similarly, sincerity can win the support and love of the people.

Although this emperor was a woman, she was not lacking in bravery and courage.

There will always be people whose passion never cools, and there will always be people who are resolute and steadfast.

"Well said!"

"I won't leave either! I'll immediately pledge my allegiance to the Righteous Army, and I'll live and die with His Majesty!"

"His Majesty is a man of clear rewards and punishments, hahaha, even if I die, I'll surely be remembered!"

"When a man dies, the birds fly up to the sky. He will live forever! Done!"

……

Over the years, the dynasty has become corrupt, the world has been in turmoil, and countless people have lost hope, drifting in and out of the chaos.

The people have become accustomed to corruption and turmoil, and to the constant changes in the people above them.

However, now, Xiao Xinyue is like a bright star in the darkness. She can see the people below, she can keep them in her heart, and she can listen to their voices.

Although it is not as dazzling as the sun right now.

But it was enough to illuminate the hearts of some and awaken the passion in their chests.

Xiao Xinyue's charm is not as dramatic as Ming Chen's, nor does she perform countless legendary deeds that amaze people.

She subtly and diligently conveyed her aspirations and ideals to everyone below her, like a gentle rain nourishing the earth.

Every decree issued and implemented demonstrates the monarch's sincerity to the people.

As you can see, the new Qian Yuan is different from the old Qian Yuan, different from the Chen Kingdom, and different from the Blood-Clad Army.

After enduring countless hardships, the dawn finally broke, and the darkness was restored to light. They finally met a worthy ruler.

They wanted the Qian Yuan dynasty to survive; they wanted His Majesty to live and see... the future of the Qian Yuan dynasty.

Xiao Xinyue will not let down the people, and the people will not let her down.

After seeing Xiao Xinyue's willingness to stay in Yueyang, he was also willing to follow her and work together to protect the old capital.

Standing with His Majesty, even if we ultimately lose and die...

That's enough to make my life worthwhile, and I haven't lived in vain.

After shouting the words "I will live and die with Yueyang," these passionate people felt as if they had established a connection with that monarch.

What an honor!

Disaster is imminent; the enemy is about to arrive.

Timidity, fear, determination, courage...

The bulletin board reveals the full spectrum of human life.

The same thing was happening in every corner of Yueyang City.

……

"General, we will reach Yueyang City in another day!"

As evening fell and the sun set, the banners of the Northern Army fluttered in the wind.

The lieutenant, clad in black armor, reported excitedly.

The golden afterglow of the setting sun fell on his face, turning it bright red, whether from the sunlight or from his emotional state, it was hard to tell.

Yueyang, this is Yueyang City! Beilie has not been able to reach this place for hundreds of years. On the contrary, eighty years ago, the war god Jin Cang forced the king to commit suicide to atone for his sins.

However, now, Yueyang is just around the corner, and they are about to achieve it.

They will surely be remembered in history and known to the world.

"kindness."

This was a joyous occasion, but Tian Hong, the commander-in-chief, simply nodded calmly.

There's nothing to be happy or proud of.

So much has been planned, and this is how it should be. If we don't reach our destination on time, then there's a problem.

The journey was not without its challenges; they would often encounter small groups of Qian Yuan soldiers who would try to stop them.

However, with Tian Hong's exceptional military skills and Bei Lie's formidable military strength, they advanced with unstoppable momentum and triumphant advance.

The obstacles encountered along the way were nothing more than futile attempts to stop a chariot.

Tian Hong looked at the setting sun, gently rubbed his temples, and looked somewhat tired.

They sped along, and the army took several short breaks, but he remained on edge and didn't rest for a moment.

Qian Yuan was facing a great calamity, filled with fear and tension.

In reality, both sides were dancing on the edge of a cliff, and Tian Hong was also putting in a tremendous amount of effort.

Deep into enemy territory alone is no easy task.

He's not young anymore, and his body can no longer withstand his recklessness.

He paused, then asked, "Any news from Yueyang City? Has Xiao Xinyue left?"

"The scouts report that there is no indication that Emperor Qian has evacuated. However, a few days ago, a large number of people left Yueyang City and scattered in all directions."

"Oh?"

Normally speaking, the emperor, as the most important heart of the country, should not put himself in danger.

However, with the army at the gates and her own forces weakened, why didn't Xiao Xinyue flee?
This situation clearly indicates that they intend to defend the city and fight him to the death.

Upon hearing this, Tian Hong frowned: "So she didn't run away? Does Xiao Xinyue, a mere woman, possess such composure?"

That's a monarch!

Few people have the courage to place themselves in danger when they are in a position of supreme power and have the opportunity to escape.

In Tian Hong's view, this was not good news.

If Xiao Xinyue stays behind, and as long as Yueyang City is captured and Xiao Xinyue is taken prisoner, the Qian Yuan dynasty will essentially be doomed.

If it succeeds, it will be a monumental achievement that destroys a nation.

It seems to be breathtaking.

But is it really that easy?

If Xiao Xinyue defends the city to the death, the difficulty of attacking it will undoubtedly increase significantly.

Instead of protecting her during her evacuation, the imperial guards stayed behind to defend the city, and the people of the city became soldiers, united in their resolve.

The idea that the monarch would live or die with the city was even more inspiring than a personal military campaign, and countless people would fight to the last moment.

Because if they were to lose, their homeland would be destroyed.

Yueyang City itself is very fortified. If she manages to hold it, they will be at a disadvantage.

History is full of examples of the few defeating the many, and there are always countless uncertainties in the course of war.

Tian Hong didn't think he could easily win over Xiao Xinyue.

He was not like Bai Junxin, who was ambitious and eager for quick success. His status was no longer concerned with wealth and glory; he was concerned with the situation of the country.

He prefers to take a safer path and achieve his strategic goals step by step.

The best-case scenario would be for Xiao Xinyue and her officials to flee the city in disarray, allowing him to capture Yueyang effortlessly, and then send light cavalry to pursue them.

It would be best if I could win over Xiao Xinyue, but it wouldn't matter if I couldn't.

As long as we take Yueyang City, we can win back everything we lost to Mingchen before.

However, Xiao Xinyue chose to defend the city.

With that in mind, he looked around at the scenery and terrain, and after confirming that it was safe, he...

He let out a soft breath and said to his deputy, "Order the entire army to set up camp here and rest for a day."

"Ah? General...this..."

"We're almost there, why don't we hang in there a little longer?"

When they arrived, they were still far from Yueyang City, and the soldiers were exhausted, but the general insisted on a rapid march, making every second count.

Now that we are about to reach our destination and the fruits of victory are within reach, the general has calmed down and ordered his soldiers to rest and regroup. What is the meaning of this?

The longer it drags on, the more likely things are to change, which will be even more disadvantageous for them!
The deputy general, who looked to be in his thirties, seemed somewhat confused and kept asking Tian Hong questions.

Tian Hong glanced at his deputy and sighed.

This lieutenant has been with him for eight years and is a promising talent.

Tian Hong knew he was getting old, and that Bei Lie's future would have to be entrusted to these people.

Ji Yuting is indeed a very promising young talent, but how can he alone be enough?
The two people opposite, Mingchen and Lingyu, are both young and not easy to deal with!

"Xinqing...use your brain."

Tian Hong shook his head and sighed softly, "Don't follow Ying Cheng's example!"

He already knew what Deng Yingcheng had done in the North.

He did not doubt the loyalty of his sworn brother, and he also knew that facing an opponent like Mingchen would be very stressful.

However, he was not satisfied with the result.

Mingchen's plans were never guaranteed to succeed; if he had been more meticulous, perhaps the outcome wouldn't have been so disastrous.

Given Deng Yingcheng's abilities, even if he couldn't beat Ming Chen, he shouldn't have lost so badly.

Cheng Xinqing was not annoyed by Tian Hong's admonition, but simply lowered his head and said sincerely, "Xinqing is dull-witted and hopes that the general will give me guidance."

General Tian Hongda was a pillar of the Northern Army and was respected and admired by countless people.

This included the deputy general.

Tian Hong is his teacher, his commander, and his idol and faith.

Even if Tian Hong called him a pig, he would still lie on the ground and grunt a few times.

"You know our army is exhausted. We marched so quickly earlier because I knew this place was safe enough and the resistance forces were all within my control. Military strategy cannot be learned rigidly; it must be applied flexibly according to the situation."

"Since Xiao Xinyue has stayed behind, she is clearly prepared to fight to the death with our army."

"Under such circumstances, our army can no longer act rashly. As we approach Yueyang, we need to maintain a good state of readiness."

"If our troops are at the gates of the city and we are not yet able to establish a firm foothold, our army will be exhausted and we will suffer heavy losses if we are attacked before we can rest."

"We are a lone army deep in enemy territory, and the life of every soldier is of utmost importance and cannot be wasted."

Tian Hong sighed softly and said to Cheng Xinqing.

Time is indeed precious now, but precisely because it is precious, we cannot be hasty or blinded by immediate temptations.

One more thing, he hoped to give Xiao Xinyue a little more time, so that she would value her life and escape quickly.

"Yueyang City only has so many troops, would Xiao Xinyue dare to take them on?"

Defending a city is much easier than launching a frontal attack.

Our forces outnumber the enemy's tenfold.

They're afraid of casualties, but isn't Xiao Xinyue afraid?

"What's there to be afraid of?!"

Even a rabbit will bite when cornered!

"After a hundred-mile raid, the enemy's morale was reduced to less than one-tenth. If it were me, I would send troops to catch the enemy off guard!"

"I'm asking you, if the enemy launches an attack, how will you defend yourself? I'm asking how you will defend yourself, not whether the enemy dares to! You cannot relinquish your initiative to the other side, you cannot entrust your life and death to their whim!"

Cheng Xinqing fell silent upon hearing this.

Tian Hong sighed softly and said to him, "Xinqing, don't underestimate any of your opponents."

"The best strategy in military strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting. If you can achieve your goal without fighting, then it is best not to fight. If you fight, you must consider all aspects. The lives of all the soldiers are on your shoulders."

Cheng Xinqing nodded upon hearing this: "Yes."

“Send some men south to gather intelligence.”

"Let Lu Chengmo lead three thousand troops to attack Chengjin City in the southwest. If something unexpected happens, our army will still have a way to retreat."

Chengjin City is located southwest of Yueyang City. It has a river, is close to the sea, and is a decent city.

If the siege fails and he is caught up by Qian Yuan's reinforcements, he can retreat to Chengjin City to hold his ground, gradually encroach on Qian Yuan's southern territory, and wait for Bei Lie's support or withdraw. He has many options.

If Xiao Xinyue leaves, Yueyang City will be in chaos, and Tian Hong will not leave himself any way out.

He took a gamble and launched a direct assault on Yueyang, capturing the old capital of Qianyuan and blocking enemies from all sides.

But now that Xiao Xinyue isn't leaving, he needs to think carefully.

These soldiers were all warriors from the Northern Fierce Army, who had sailed across the sea to penetrate deep into enemy territory, entrusting their lives to him, and he also needed to be responsible for them.

Dividing troops would weaken one's own strength and make it more difficult to attack a city.

However, one must always leave a way out for these men.

"Yes!"

Cheng Xinqing bowed to Tian Hong and said, "You are right, I have learned a lot."

Tian Hong patted him on the shoulder: "Be more cautious, think more deeply... Beilie's future depends on you."

As the sun set, the old general's deep gaze seemed to disappear into the darkness.

"General..."

Cheng Xinqing remained silent, staring blankly at his retreating figure.

He sensed that the general was somewhat lonely and desolate.

(End of this chapter)