It all started with one person becoming a shaman, but the Stand user...

The only option was to dig a grave on the spot and bury the body.

In this battle, the Taihang Army did not suffer significant losses, and the morale of the entire army was greatly boosted.

According to the pre-agreed rules, the weapons and equipment in the spoils of war are to be used first to replenish personal losses and for replacement and upgrades.

The seized goods included grain, salt, and cloth.

They then planned to allocate 30% to seek opportunities and devise methods to acquire more resources.

The rest were taken back as rewards for meritorious service and sold to fund the entire army.

Although everyone knows that this decision may be for long-term strategic reasons.

But when they heard that they would have to give away 30% of the supplies they had acquired, they were shocked.

Many people still couldn't help but show resistance and reluctance on their faces.

As for the more than 500 prisoners, including the laborers who were forcibly conscripted, Qing Hemiao's attitude was very clear.

Not a single one can be put back.

It's not that he's ruthless.

Having lived in this era for so long, he is no longer the same person he was when the instance was first opened.

His experience over the years has taught him this.

Once these defeated soldiers were released, they were left unsupervised and feared punishment upon their return for their defeat.

They are very likely to gather in groups of three or five, or flee back to their hometowns to bully the weak and wreak havoc on the local area.

Or they might simply find a mountain to become bandits and turn into a new scourge.

This is how many bandits and outlaws were born in this world.

Even those laborers who were forcibly conscripted were not allowed.

Having witnessed war and become accustomed to violence, they...

Once released, they lose their original social constraints and sources of livelihood, making them extremely vulnerable to becoming the same kind of scourge.

Chapter 84 Suddenly, the Mountain Flooded

Moreover, even if they really did go home obediently.

They were also likely to be targeted and killed by the government or local powerful families as "evaders" or "remnants of defeated soldiers," or be forcibly conscripted again.

It would be better to keep them all.

At least, it's a way out.

In fact.

Many leaders explicitly supported killing them all.

It saves time and money, and also saves on precious food.

They didn't treat these people like human beings at all.

……

Several days later, in Li Cunxu's residence in Taiyuan, a thousand miles away.

As the eldest son of Prince Li Keyong of Jin, he was handsome and noble, but he was depressed.

He had no interest in manners and simply sat with a sullen face on his large armchair, with his legs crossed on the armrests.

In his hand, he held a finely crafted, brightly colored opera mask, stroking it.

He seemed to be feeling frustrated.

Not long ago, he found his elder brother, Li Siyuan, the Holy Master of the Tongwen Hall.

He spoke earnestly and clearly distinguished the advantages and disadvantages.

Luzhou is the gateway to Hedong, a vital passage!

If Luzhou is lost, then Zezhou will be in danger; if Zezhou is lost, Bizhou will be hard to defend!

Once Bizhou falls into Liang's hands, its doors will be wide open!

Wang Yanzhang's attack is fierce and urgent, and the soldiers in the city are exhausted and short of food, so they urgently need reinforcements!

He analyzed the pros and cons clearly and sincerely, hoping to borrow some soldiers and officers.

As a result, Li Siyuan still wore that disgustingly gentle smile.

He was polite in words, but only sent out his two subordinate leaders, Zhong and Xiao.

These two sect leaders are indeed highly skilled in martial arts, and they may be able to play a crucial role in critical moments.

But the Liang Kingdom's military strength is at least four times that of them. What they lack is a few skilled warriors.

The words sounded nice, but they offered no real support and even carried a hint of mockery.

It should be noted that although Li Cunxu was the second son, he was Li Keyong's biological son.

Li Siyuan, the adopted son, relied on his age and years of management to become the "Holy Master," and his influence was deeply entrenched in the Tongwen Hall and even within the Jin State.

Now that the country is in crisis, he was willing to speak up, but all he got in return was this insincere "support" and veiled mockery.

How could Li Cunxu not be indignant?

Throughout the process, well-trained servants, holding their breath and carefully filing in from outside the door.

Holding in their hands freshly brewed fragrant tea and various exquisite tea snacks.

With deft movements, she replaced the fruit, pastries, or cooled tea on the table next to her.

They could all tell that their master was in a bad mood these past few days, so they were extremely cautious, not daring to make the slightest noise or make any mistakes.

Several actors who usually performed for Li Cunxu to relieve his boredom were also standing at the entrance.

But today Li Cunxu was clearly not in the mood, and waved his hand impatiently:

"Get out! No one is allowed to come in without orders!"

The servants and actors, as if granted a pardon, quickly bowed and quietly withdrew, gently closing the door behind them.

Only Li Cunxu remained in the room.

He continued to gaze through the masked eye sockets, lost in deep thought, seemingly pondering something profound.

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Until a figure appeared, before anyone could see, their distinctive voice, carrying a hint of deliberately ingratiating joy, pushed open the door and slipped inside.

The newcomer was wearing heavy theatrical makeup, with face covered by oil paint, obscuring their true appearance. However, their figure was extremely agile, and their gait was light and graceful.

He was none other than one of Li Cunxu's most favored actors, as well as his trusted eyes and ears, and his inner demon.

Li Cunxu was in a bad mood, so he didn't even look up and said irritably:

"Mirror Demon, I'm quite troubled. What joy is there to congratulate you on?"

The Mirror Demon didn't care at all and quickly ran to Li Cunxu.

With barely suppressed excitement on his face, he respectfully presented a piece of paper with both hands and began cheerfully:

"Your Highness, good news! Real good news! News has just arrived from the Taihang Mountains in the south!"

Li Cunxu took the thin sheet of paper and quickly scanned its contents.

The letter reported that a new force had risen in the Taihang Mountains, calling itself the "Taihang Army".

The leader is a Taoist priest with the pseudonym "Qingmiao".

This force was active on the border between Liang and Jin, specializing in intercepting Liang's supply lines to the Luzhou front. They were so successful that they seemed to have won every battle.

The letter further mentioned that this Taihang army not only launched a proactive attack on Liang's grain supply route.

Furthermore, the Jin state did not offer any substantial rewards.

They repeatedly tried to transport some of the captured grain and supplies back to the besieged city of Luzhou to help the defenders.

Although it's a drop in the ocean compared to the whole of Luzhou.

However, it was a significant benefit to the city of Luzhou.

What's most commendable is this attitude during times of crisis.

It was only then that Li Cunxu suddenly remembered.

Some time ago, there seemed to be contact with forces in the Taihang Mountains, who claimed to be local magnates and righteous men who were oppressed by the Liang Kingdom and were loyal to the Jin Dynasty.

He originally thought he was just an ordinary smuggling tycoon who couldn't make it in the enemy country.

They still don't think much of them.

However, when Luzhou was besieged, in the spirit of "casting a wide net and catching many fish", a batch of surplus military equipment was symbolically approved and sent over.

Who would have thought that this seemingly insignificant "idle chess" would turn out to be so?

It unexpectedly produced such amazing results and loyalty at the crucial moment.

This is one of the few pieces of good news we've had in many days.

It gave him a real boost.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Li Cunxu said "good" three times in succession. This rare piece of good news swept away the pent-up frustration in his heart.

"Truly, Heaven is helping us! Such righteous men are truly the loyal ministers of our Great Jin Dynasty and the pillars of our nation!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, he suddenly leaped up from the armchair, stretched out his body, and stood on the chair, one foot resting on the armrest.

He brought back his favorite operatic style, his voice lingering in the air:

"Quickly reply to Taihang! Your words must be full of sincere praise and commendation for his loyalty and bravery! Tell him that I am already aware of his illustrious military achievements and that once I personally lead a large army to relieve the siege of Luzhou, I will reward him according to his merits and will never mistreat a loyal and righteous man!"

I hereby issue another order: the assembled troops are to accelerate preparations. Three days later, the army will set off directly for Luzhou! Before departure, erect a high platform at the drill ground. I will personally ascend the platform to bolster the army's morale and inspire fighting spirit! We will ensure that Zhu Youzhen has nowhere to escape!

"Yes, sir!"

The Demon of the Mirror Heart understood immediately and echoed in a theatrical tone, drawing out the melody.

His demeanor was respectful, yet subtly obsequious.

"Hahaha!"

Li Cunxu burst into laughter, jumped off the chair, grabbed the Mirror Demon's hand, and made peace with him:

"Tonight, let us hold a small banquet, where you, my lord and I, will sing and dance in harmony, and wish you a resounding victory on this expedition!"

"Your Highness is too kind."

Mirror Heart Demon lowered his head slightly.

Beneath the heavy makeup, her eyes flickered almost imperceptibly, only to be quickly concealed by a submissive smile.

……

"Bang! Bang! Bang!!!"

A tremendous whooshing sound tore through the air, followed by a deafening explosion!

In Liang's army formation, dozens of catapults were driven at full power, hurling "fireballs" coated with flaming oil or simple gunpowder into Luzhou City like meteorites!

The fireball landed and exploded with a bang, splattering flames and billowing thick smoke!

Many civilians in the city who were unable to dodge in time were instantly engulfed by flames or blown away by the blast wave, falling to the ground screaming in agony.

The wooden houses were set ablaze, and the fire, fueled by the wind, spread rapidly. Flames and black smoke billowed into the sky from many parts of the city, and cries for help, screams for help, and the sounds of collapsing buildings mingled together, creating a scene resembling hell on earth.

Chapter 85 Do Not Drink from the Thief's Spring