Chapter 703: Chapter 703
The Xi Qi grand army surged forward like a raging flood, breaking through the last defensive line at the Si Water Pass. General Han Rong, donning his awe-inspiring armor, led the remaining soldiers in a valiant final stand, standing gallantly at the forefront of the battlefield, unafraid of death in battle.
Yet as the Xi Qi cavalry stormed through like a wild tide, the Si Water Pass became ruins, and Han Rong too fell heroically amidst the masses of troops.
Following the fall of the Si Water Pass, Jiang Ziya gained complete strategic control over the Great Shang military endeavors. Holding the Commander's Seal, his eyes sparkled with intelligence, and his mind was filled with calm and stratagem. The Xi Qi forces, following thereafter, soared like the great Kunpeng spreading its wings, their offensive fierce and direct, aiming at the Linhuan Pass that separated friend from foe, guarding the borders of Great Shang.
The Linhuan Pass defenders, under the pressure of the Xi Qi army, were in utter disarray, sending carrier pigeons, desperately begging for reinforcements from Chaoge. Yet those pleas seemed to have sunk into the sea without a trace—no one responded, no help came.
Inside Chaoge, Di Xin sat on his resplendent Golden Throne Hall, wearing the Golden Crown, yet his face contorted in an exceptionally fierce and twisted expression, his eyes wide with rage as he bellowed, shaking the high heavens: "Traitors! Traitors! Enormous traitors!"
The piles of pleas for help on the desk were abruptly swept to the floor; he then grabbed a piece of porcelain and hurled it to the ground, shattering it instantly.
The surrounding guards and ministers were all frightened, not daring to make any moves.
Daji hurriedly came forward to soothe him, her soft and tender voice attempting to calm Di Xin's fury.
"Your Majesty, do not worry, that Western Marquis Ji Chang is but a mere ant. Linhuan Pass is as secure as a fortress, and with the old General Huang Gun stationed there, the situation will surely be stabilized," Daji assured Di Xin, her pupils radiating a seductive allure as her hands rested on him.
However, Di Xin, who normally acquiesced to her every word, abruptly stood up, his palm heavily thudding on the armrest of his throne, making a dull sound: "Stabilized? With what shall it be stabilized? Wasn't Si Water Pass also said to be an impregnable pass? And yet it was breached so easily, wasn't it? My vassals are all as treacherous as dogs, the Xi Qi army has reached Linhuan, how can I foster the ambition of these traitors?"
Following that, Di Xin rose to his feet, teeth clenched with determination: "Summon the left and right generals at once, rally the palace's forbidden army, I will personally lead the army to tidy up these thieves. How can the world allow them to turn it upside down!"
Di Xin's rage leaped like a fierce flame in the hall, his words thundering in the ears of all those present.
The ministers present bowed their heads in silence, the atmosphere was extremely tense.
Just as Di Xin intended to lead the battle himself, the Chancellor Shang Rong stepped forward steadily, his gaze firm and clear, his voice sounding like a spring bubbling over stones: "Your Majesty, I have something to say! Although Xi Qi is strong, it is not invincible. The old General Huang Gun, who defends Linhuan Pass, has long been battle-hardened and is a sharp blade, and his son, King Wu Cheng Huang Feihu, is renowned for his bravery and good at war, renowned far and wide. If he leads the troops to aid, he will surely stabilize the situation at Linhuan."
Beside him, Uncle Bi Gan also stepped forward, his bright eyes fixed on Di Xin, solemnly speaking: "Your Majesty, the Xi Qi's military momentum is great, Si Water Pass has fallen, and Linhuan Pass is in imminent danger. At this juncture, only a fierce general is capable of reversing the dire situation.
Your Majesty is wise, King Wu Cheng Huang Feihu is a shining Bright Pearl of Great Shang, unafraid of the battle. If you command Huang Feihu to lead the army in support to Linhuan Pass, he will surely be able to reorganize our Great Shang lands." Thıs text ıs hosted at novel•fire.net
Uncle Bi Gan held the memorial in both hands, speaking with a firm yet smooth tone.
Di Xin, hearing the advice of the two ministers, a flash of ferocity in his eyes, but soon regained his composure. He knew that Uncle Bi Gan and Shang Rong had never flattered him with a single word, and that their present words were compelled by the state of affairs.
He was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath, his demeanor eased slightly, and his eyes swept over the faces of the two ministers, finally settling on Shang Rong, nodding slowly: "Huang Feihu is indeed a renowned general in the army, and is also trustworthy for our court. Then, as you suggest, summon Huang Feihu to the palace immediately."
Not long after, Huang Feihu arrived as ordered, clad in golden armor, a treasured sword hanging at his waist, and his presence was imposing and resolute. He knelt before Di Xin, ready to receive the command as it shot out like a sharp arrow.
Di Xin ordered in a deep voice: "King Wu Cheng, I command you to repel the rebel forces of Xi Qi at Linhuan Pass, and bring Ji Chang's head before me!"
Huang Feihu nodded vigorously as if pounding garlic: "Your subordinate will not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
Hearing Huang Feihu's confident reply, the anxiety deep within Di Xin finally eased. He waved his hand and said, "Go, I await the news of your triumphant return."
Huang Feihu took the order and departed.
He didn't hesitate for a moment, his body clad in silver armor, wielding a large halberd, and inspected the troops one by one, standing still as a steadfast mountain.
"This time, we have been entrusted with the nation's mandate to reinforce Linhuan Pass; we must strike with vigor and root out the problem!"
King Wu Cheng's commands echoed like thunder, and soldiers from all sides gathered, their might undeniable.
In an instant, the bronze drums thundered, the war smoke covered the sky, stirring up clouds of dust.
The army, poised for battle, had the might to swallow thousands of miles like a tiger.
Huang Feihu, like an arrow released from a bow, rushed with his forces towards Linhuan Pass.
The battle flags were like a sea, the armor like a tide.
Simultaneously, far in the southeast direction of Great Shang, Linhuan Pass was also actively mobilizing soldiers.
However, the City Lord Wen Zhong was not within the city at the moment; instead, he stood solemnly outside the Treasure Hall by the Huai River, his expression extremely reverent.
The waves of the Huai River softly lapped against the shore, creating a gentle sound.
"Master, with the current complex situation, I don't know what would be best," Wen Zhong asked again, prostrating for guidance.
Inside the Treasure Hall, the Golden Spirit Saint Mother slowly opened her eyes, divine light flowing within them, sparkling like the stars. She spoke calmly: "With the Si Water Pass lost and Linhuan Pass in urgent need, the rise of Xi Qi is evident. Go, act as you see fit in your heart."