Chapter 316: Chapter 316
Every night, the Chu army would come out to harass the Xiongnu briefly, never engaging in real combat. They would shout a few times and then retreat, not even daring to open the city gates too wide. The Xiongnu had grown accustomed to this and would only make symbolic efforts to drive them away each time, like wild buffalo grazing in a field that would at most swish their tails or flick their ears when bothered by mosquito bites, never allowing such trivial matters to interfere with their feeding. Fresh chapters posted on novel[f]ire.net
The Xiongnu had already surrounded Jincheng City so tightly that not even water could leak through, and they were not anxious at all.
Therefore, when the two gates of the southern city suddenly swung wide open and large numbers of Chu cavalry came charging out, the Xiongnu initially paid no attention at all, especially since only the leading dozens of these Chu soldiers carried torches, making their numbers appear even more sparse.
The Xiongnu discovered the large number of Chu troops through the sound of hoofbeats, but their reaction was swift. Their horses were usually stationed near their tents, so thousands of men immediately mounted up, with even more standing ready at all times.
However, the Chu army’s purpose tonight was still not to engage in battle, but to target those newly constructed siege engines.
These machines had all been gathered from towns along the way. The most threatening were over a dozen tall catapults that could hurl massive stones onto the city walls from a mile away. There were also several thick, sturdy battering rams that could be pushed right up to the city gates to strike them with iron heads, plus some bridge carts that could be pushed to the riverside and lowered to form simple bridges. The most numerous pieces of equipment were the scaling ladders – over fifty of them – which were placed together with the bridge carts.
The Xiongnu were not very skilled at using these devices and even found them bothersome, as they interfered with their horses’ galloping. Therefore, they had not stored them within their camp but had constructed them directly outside it, less than three miles from the southern city. They could be pushed forward a short distance to begin the siege, which was rather convenient.
Jincheng City could only defend, not attack, so the Xiongnu were not worried at all.
Deng Cui’s target was precisely these poorly guarded siege engines. The Xiongnu looked down upon these strange contraptions, but the Chu army understood their power and viewed them as a grave threat. However, few had thought that General Deng would actually dare to leave the city to destroy the equipment, and moreover lead from the front, holding a torch and charging ahead.
The Chu army took advantage of this time while the Xiongnu were assembling to set fire to most of the equipment. These devices could not be transported intact and had to be dismantled and brought piece by piece, then assembled outside the city. They had only just been completed less than a day ago.
The guards protecting these machines were Fuyu Kingdom troops and some Chu prisoners. The former were too few in number, while the latter were unwilling to serve the enemy loyally. When they saw the Chu army charging toward them, many prisoners voluntarily set fires and then shouted loudly for rescue.
Unfortunately, the Chu army could not save them.
After setting the fires, Deng Cui immediately ordered a retreat. Everyone threw away their torches and followed their general closely. The prisoners had no horses and could only run on foot behind them, where they were trampled by Xiongnu cavalry and suffered heavy casualties.
Regardless, this surprise attack had actually succeeded. The Chu army lost one general and dozens of soldiers, but destroyed the greatest threat.
After everyone returned to the city, they immediately sealed the gates tight. The officers and soldiers cheered loudly, and over a dozen generals came forward to congratulate the General of Chariots and Cavalry. However, Deng Cui did not stop at all. Under everyone’s gaze, he rode non-stop back to his own home, went inside to continue sleeping, and would not even arrange defensive matters for the city.
The other generals were not so composed and had to quickly lead their troops up onto the walls to guard against Xiongnu attacks.
The Xiongnu were extremely furious and killed all the prisoners who had remained behind. They attacked the city in waves throughout the entire night, but without siege equipment to assist them, they could still only stop at the riverbank. Because they were too close and had no time to turn around, some were even struck by arrows from the city walls.
According to people from the Deng residence, the General of Chariots and Cavalry did not wake up all night, while it was actually the general’s wife who was terrified and came out several times to inquire about news.
Deng Cui earned himself the nickname “Strange General,” and no one said he was unfit to be the commanding general defending the city anymore. However, even those who most admired him felt somewhat uncertain in their hearts, always feeling that he might make some grave error at any moment.
Han Ruzi also slept for a while, though not so sweetly. Dreams came one after another with no connection between them, preventing him from falling into deep sleep while also not letting him wake up.
When he opened his eyes, it was already dawn. Han Ruzi was drenched in sweat but felt somewhat better, though his body remained weak and powerless. He sat up and took a damp cloth from Zhang Youcai to wipe his face, glancing at Meng E in the corner and saying apologetically, “You didn’t sleep all night?”
“Overseer Liu relieved me for a while, so I got some sleep, but Miss Meng E stayed here the whole time.”
“I can sleep standing up,” Meng E said.
Han Ruzi wanted to say something more, but he was too exhausted. The little energy he had upon waking quickly disappeared, and he became dizzy and confused again. Food had no taste, and after just two sips of porridge he felt full. Suddenly remembering the previous night’s events, he asked, “General Deng…”
Zhang Youcai had already inquired about everything and vividly recounted the night raid. The rumors circulating in the city were quite exaggerated, describing the Chu army as divine soldiers descending from heaven, moving through the Xiongnu camp as if it were uninhabited territory, which was quite inspiring to morale.
Han Ruzi smiled slightly. Knowing the outcome was enough; there was no need to worry about the details. With those siege engines destroyed, Jincheng could hold out for several more days. He lay back down with relief. Though he couldn’t sleep, he could at least be somewhat more comfortable.
“Prince Donghai and Cui Teng came early this morning and insist on seeing Your Majesty,” Zhang Youcai said, disliking both men.
“Mm.” Han Ruzi’s reactions were slower now. He felt he had responded immediately, but actually some time had passed. “Let them come in. If they don’t see me, their suspicions will only grow.”
Zhang Youcai sighed and went out to relay the order.
Prince Donghai and Cui Teng hadn’t seen the Emperor all day and were filled with doubts. They rushed to enter the room, colliding at the doorway and glaring at each other. Cui Teng, being stronger, entered first. Seeing the Emperor’s condition, he was greatly shocked. “Your Majesty… Your Majesty is truly ill.”
Han Ruzi didn’t want to speak, so Zhang Youcai answered for him: “Just a minor illness. He’ll recover quickly.”
Cui Teng sniffed twice. “If he’s sick, why not take medicine? What’s with the incense?”
Zhang Youcai didn’t know either and shushed them, signaling not to disturb the Emperor. Cui Teng fell silent, and Prince Donghai, who hadn’t spoken at all, bowed to the Emperor and found a place to sit.
Cui Teng couldn’t contain himself and began pacing back and forth. Glared at by Zhang Youcai, he had no choice but to sit down as well. After thinking for a moment, he said to Prince Donghai, “Don’t you dare have any wicked thoughts.”
Prince Donghai gave a cold laugh. “Could I find even one supporter in this city? With Xiongnu outside, who would still be willing… His Majesty’s position is more secure than ever.”
“General Deng won a great victory last night, and my father will soon lead troops to rescue His Majesty. Jincheng’s siege will be lifted.”
Prince Donghai continued his cold laughter, only lowering his voice.
“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t make strange noises,” Cui Teng said with displeasure, also lowering his voice.
“Deng Cui’s action last night was at most a minor victory – driving away the wolves nearby, but there’s still a circle of tigers outside.”
“As long as my father…”
“The Xiongnu have colluded with the Linzi rebels, and the Great Chanyu still hasn’t shown himself, which means the Xiongnu’s main force isn’t at Jincheng at all. What do you think he’s doing? He’s definitely waiting for your father to lead troops north so he can intercept them midway.”
Cui Teng’s face paled. “Those aren’t the main Xiongnu forces outside the city?”
“The main force naturally follows the Great Chanyu. If he’s not coming to attack Jincheng, it’s because he has a more important target…”
Zhang Youcai said angrily, “Can’t you two talk about something else? Just shut up and be quiet for a while.”
Cui Teng fell silent and gestured repeatedly to show he wouldn’t speak carelessly anymore. Prince Donghai lowered his head, smiling without speaking.
Han Ruzi slowly sat up. Zhang Youcai became even more displeased, feeling that those two had disturbed His Majesty’s rest. Han Ruzi beckoned and said to Zhang Youcai, “You two go rest.”
The Emperor’s voice was weak and breathless. Zhang Youcai was worried but dared not disobey the command. He could only acknowledge the order and slowly withdraw. Meng E left even faster than he did.
As soon as Zhang Youcai closed the door, Cui Teng immediately said, “Your Majesty, pay no mind. Prince Donghai is talking nonsense. My father won’t be so easily deceived. He must be confident before heading north to rescue Your Majesty.”
Prince Donghai had intended to show his disdain with silence and smiles, but in the end couldn’t restrain himself and spoke: “Yes, Grand Tutor Cui is confident, but when will that be? I’m afraid not even a single brick of Jincheng will remain.”
Cui Teng glared at Prince Donghai.
Han Ruzi said, “Prince Donghai is right. While we must wait for reinforcements, we also need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
“Worst case? What worst case?” Cui Teng didn’t understand.
Prince Donghai shook his head. “In case the Xiongnu find a way to breach the city, Your Majesty must think of a way to escape, even if it means escaping alone. That would still be a victory for the Chu army and a defeat for the Xiongnu.”
“Right, right, we must think of a way.” Cui Teng nodded repeatedly.
Han Ruzi’s thoughts went even further. “No matter what, I cannot fall into Xiongnu hands.” He still felt dizzy, but some things he had already decided long ago and would not change. “If I can escape, that would naturally be best. If not, I need someone to completely destroy my remains.”
Cui Teng was speechless, noticing that the Emperor had even stopped using “We” when referring to himself.
Prince Donghai was even more surprised and forgot to address him as “Your Majesty,” saying, “The Xiongnu won’t kill you. At most they’ll demand more wealth and land, which Great Chu can afford.”
Han Ruzi exhaled heavily. “Better to be broken jade than intact clay.”
Cui Teng said, “Let’s not talk about being broken jade. First let’s discuss how to escape the encirclement.”
Han Ruzi was about to speak when Liu Jie entered and said softly, “Your Majesty, I’ve summoned the imperial physician.”
“Hmm?” Han Ruzi didn’t remember ever summoning an imperial physician.
Liu Jie offered no explanation and turned to call in one of the accompanying imperial physicians.
As soon as the physician entered, he frowned slightly but said nothing. He kowtowed to the Emperor, rose, and began taking his pulse. Han Ruzi was too weak to even refuse.
The physician repeatedly checked his pulse, occasionally glancing up at the Emperor, but didn’t say a word for a long time.
Liu Jie signaled to Prince Donghai and Cui Teng to leave. Cui Teng was reluctant, but Prince Donghai was tactful and quietly left the room. Cui Teng had no choice but to follow. Liu Jie also left the room and gently closed the door, leaving only the Emperor and the physician.
The physician was one of the accompanying officials, serving in the Imperial Medical Academy with extensive experience. Once no one else remained in the room, he moved his fingers away, stood up, stepped back several paces, knelt on the ground, and said, “In this humble minister’s opinion, Your Majesty has been poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Han Ruzi was shocked.
The physician remained silent for a moment, then replied, “Moreover, it’s the same poison that killed the late Thoughtful Emperor and the orphaned son of Prince Yong.”
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