HLnovel Chapter 1046: The Army's Morale Collapses, Breaking Out at Night
Chapter 1046: The Army's Morale Collapses, Breaking Out at Night
In May, the scorching sun in Wancheng seemed to melt the war-torn city. Outside, Liu Bei's army's tents clustered like ants, encircling the city with no escape. Inside, supplies were desperately scarce, the people were emaciated, and panic permeated every corner.
Huang Zhong stood atop the city wall, gazing at the ferocious enemy troops outside. His brows knitted into a crisscross pattern, his eyes filled with anxiety and helplessness. Beside him, Yi Ji was equally worried. He sighed deeply, breaking the silence. "Now that most of Nanyang County has been surrendered to Liu Bei, Wancheng is isolated and helpless, and our food and fodder are running out. In this desperate situation, what should we do?" Huang Zhong clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening. His tone was firm yet tinged with bitterness. "I, Huang Zhong, have been loyal and righteous all my life. How could I abandon this city so easily? It's just that the people here suffer..." He sighed deeply, his words echoing in the sweltering heat.
Dissatisfaction with Liu Biao surged in both men's hearts. Yi Ji couldn't help but complain, "Liu Jingzhou controls the vast territory of Jingzhou, but out of fear of Liu Bei, he left Wancheng to die. Such behavior is truly chilling!" Huang Zhong nodded slightly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "If it weren't for our past friendship, I really would..."
Meanwhile, inside Liu Bei's tent, Pang Tong was discussing a strategy for breaking through the city. Waving a feather fan, Pang Tong spoke with a relaxed demeanor, confident in his plan: "My lord, Wancheng is now isolated. With a simple tactic, we can surely cause internal chaos." Liu Bei's gaze shone with interest, and he asked, "What brilliant plan does Shiyuan have? Feel free to share."
Pang Tong smiled slightly, with a cunning look in his eyes: "First, send people to spread rumors inside and outside Wancheng, saying that once Liu Bei's army breaks into the city, they will definitely massacre the people in the city, so that the people in the city will panic. Second, alienate the relationship between Huang Zhong and Liu Biao, and spread the word everywhere that Huang Zhong wants to surrender to the lord, so that the defenders will become suspicious of Huang Zhong. If we use this two-pronged approach, there is no need to worry about Wancheng not being broken." After hearing this, Liu Bei showed joy on his face, clapped his hands in approval, and immediately ordered people to act according to the plan.
Soon, the streets of Wancheng were filled with all sorts of lurid rumors. Panic gripped the people, who gathered in groups to whisper. "Have you heard? Liu Bei's army will start a massacre as soon as they enter the city. We're all going to die!" "Alas, Liu Jingzhou doesn't care whether we live or die. Are we really going to wait here to die?" These rumors spread like a plague, further depressing the already oppressive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Pang Tong's spies were spreading rumors among the garrison troops about Huang Zhong's conspiracy with Liu Bei. "Did you know? General Huang has already negotiated a deal with Liu Bei. If the city falls, he'll be the hero, but we, the soldiers, will be in trouble." These words gradually reached Huang Zhong's ears, and he was furious and anxious, yet he couldn't argue.
Huang Zhong knew that if this continued, Wancheng would collapse on its own without Liu Bei's attack. He approached Yi Ji, his face solemn, and his voice low, "The people in the city are in great disarray, and the army's morale is unstable. If we continue to hold on, the lives of the people and our brothers will be wasted. What do you think we should do?"
Yi Ji pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "General Huang, Liu Biao doesn't care about the lives of the soldiers and civilians in Wancheng. Why should we defend him to the death? Liu Bei is known for his benevolence. Perhaps surrendering to him is the only way to save the people of Wancheng."
Huang Zhong's heart struggled, his eyes revealing pain and confusion. He straightened his back and shouted, "How can a man be so loyal as to switch sides? A loyal minister never serves two masters. This is the creed I, Huang Zhong, have upheld throughout my life!"
Yi Ji looked at Huang Zhong with a sincere and urgent gaze: "General, a wise bird chooses its tree to roost in. You must not act on impulse and let the people of this city and all these loyal and brave soldiers die here because of your foolish loyalty!"
Huang Zhong's face shifted between uncertainty and uncertainty, his heart raging between loyalty and the needs of the people. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and said, "Forget it! Sir, please gather all the soldiers in the city immediately. If anyone refuses to surrender, they can break out with me. You can take those who do, and after I break out, we'll open the city and surrender. Regardless of success or failure, we'll open the city after I'm gone."
Yi Ji looked at Huang Zhong's graying hair and tried to persuade him again. But Huang Zhong waved his hand, his expression resolute: "Sir, there's no point in saying more. I, Huang Zhong, have shed my whole life's blood, and even if it's spilled here, I have no regrets!"
Below the city walls, soldiers quickly rushed to announce that a life-or-death moment was approaching. Over Wancheng, dark clouds gathered, as if in mourning for this impending change of fate.
Huang Zhong, his expression solemn, slowly stepped onto the stage to review his commanders. The soldiers below were either exhausted or dazed. In these days of war, everyone was tormented, both physically and mentally. Huang Zhong's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice resonant yet tinged with age. "Brothers! Wancheng is under siege, and the situation is critical. I, Huang Zhong, have gathered you today to offer you a choice. Those who wish to surrender may remain; those who wish to fight their way out with me, step forward and fight alongside me!"
Silence reigned in the audience, broken only by the occasional heavy sigh. The prolonged siege had chilled many soldiers to the bone. After a while, a slight commotion erupted. Soldiers, one after another, showed reluctance, choosing to remain. Their courage had been worn down by this seemingly endless war, and they only hoped for a glimmer of hope in surrender.
Yet, over a thousand soldiers stood up without hesitation, their eyes fixed on determination. They were deeply loyal to Huang Zhong, willing to follow him through the encirclement, even through the most arduous battles. Huang Zhong, looking at these familiar faces, felt a flicker of emotion in his eyes, and exclaimed, "Great! With all of you brothers by my side, I, Huang Zhong, have nothing to fear!"
Huang Zhong turned and looked at Yi Ji beside him. He said, "Sir, we will break out tonight under cover of darkness. Once we're out, tomorrow you can lead the defenders and the civilians to surrender. This way, perhaps the people of Wancheng and those who refuse to break out will be safe." Yi Ji was silent for a moment, a mixture of emotions. He understood Huang Zhong's loyalty and determination, but he also worried about the impending separation and the unknown outcome.
The slight commotion in Wancheng quickly caught the attention of Pang Tong and his men. Pang Tong, with a solemn expression, hurried to Liu Bei's tent. Upon seeing Liu Bei, he bowed and said, "My lord, there's movement in Wancheng. In my opinion, Huang Zhong is likely planning to lead his troops to break out."
Liu Bei frowned slightly and asked, "Why does Shi Yuan make such a judgment?"
Pang Tong pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "I'm originally from Xiangyang, and I have some history with Huang Zhong. I know he's a loyal and resolute man, and I'm afraid he won't surrender easily. Now that Wancheng is under siege, if he refuses to surrender, breaking out is a very likely move."
After hearing this, Liu Bei nodded and agreed, "Shi Yuan is absolutely right. In your opinion, how should we respond?"
Pang Tong's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile. He said, "Don't worry, my lord. I have made arrangements. General Guan Yu is a skilled warrior and adept at commanding large-scale battles. He can lead a group of elite troops to ambush at the key road outside Wancheng's east gate. If Huang Zhong breaks out from there, we'll surely block his path. General Zhang Fei is incredibly brave, but sometimes a bit reckless. So, we'll have him ambush at the south gate. If Huang Zhong breaks out from there, Zhang Fei's bravery will surely hold the enemy back. General Zhao Yun is a skilled spearman and extremely alert. We'll have him ambush in the woods outside the west gate. If Huang Zhong leaves, we can lead our troops out and cut off his retreat. As for General Wen Pin, he's familiar with Jingzhou's terrain. He can lead a group of light cavalry to patrol near Wancheng's north gate to prevent Huang Zhong from making a feint to the east and escaping through the north gate. In this operation, we must capture Huang Zhong alive and use him for our army."
When Liu Bei heard Pang Tong's plan, he showed his approval and said, "Shi Yuan, this is indeed a brilliant plan. Let's do as you say. Tell all the generals to prepare an ambush and not be careless."
Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Wen Pin, and the others, each taking orders, quickly led their men to the designated location to set up an ambush. In the darkness, the troops crept silently, like wolves on the hunt, quietly waiting for their prey to appear.
The night was as dark as ink, thick and impenetrable. Wancheng was remarkably silent in this darkness, like a dormant beast. Huang Zhong, leading over a thousand loyal men, quietly approached the east gate under cover of darkness. The gate slowly opened with a dull creaking sound, particularly piercing in the stillness of the night.
Huang Zhong led the charge, longsword in hand, his gaze steadfast. He knew this breakout was a matter of life and death, but for the sake of the soldiers behind him and the people of Wancheng, he had no choice. The clatter of horses' hooves echoed as the soldiers followed closely, surging out of the city gate like a black torrent.
However, just as they reached the main road to the east gate, shouts erupted all around them, and torches lit up like stars. Guan Yu, wielding his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, stood majestically in front, shouting, "Huang Zhong, you have nowhere to escape! Surrender now!" Huang Zhong's heart trembled, but he showed no fear. He roared, "Guan Yu, stop being so arrogant! Even if I die in battle today, I will not surrender to you!" With that, he charged at Guan Yu, his blade brandished.
For a moment, swords flashed, and the cries of battle were deafening. Huang Zhong's men fought bravely, but Guan Yu's elite troops were well-trained and outnumbered. After a fierce battle, Huang Zhong gradually lost his resistance and was forced to retreat. Thinking that the east gate was blocked, he had to find another way out, so he decisively ordered a breakout through the south gate.
When Huang Zhong and his companions arrived breathlessly at the South Gate, they saw Zhang Fei, eyes wide open, clutching his Zhangba Snake Spear, standing in the way like an impassable mountain. Zhang Fei's mouth widened, and he roared with laughter: "Haha, old Huang Zhong, you've finally arrived! Today is the day you die!" Huang Zhong's face was solemn. He knew Zhang Fei was incredibly brave, but now there was no way out, so he had no choice but to fight him head-on.
The two sides engaged in another fierce battle. Zhang Fei's attacks were powerful and devastating, and Huang Zhong struggled mightily to hold them off. His men also suffered a bitter battle, with casualties mounting. Huang Zhong was anxious, and seeing the south gate impossible to break through, he made up his mind and decided to break out through the west gate.
However, just as they finally escaped Zhang Fei and reached the west gate, they heard the sound of bowstrings as Zhao Yun, leading his ambush troops, emerged from the woods. With his spear flashing, Zhao Yun, a dashing figure, shouted, "Huang Zhong, you are surrounded. Do not struggle in vain. Surrender!" Huang Zhong looked at Zhao Yun and felt a surge of despair. However, he gritted his teeth and commanded his men to fight back.
At that moment, the sound of horse hooves could be heard from behind. It was Wen Pin, leading a group of light cavalry, who were making a detour from the north gate. Wen Pin shouted, "Huang Zhong, you are surrounded on all sides and cannot escape. It is best to surrender!" Huang Zhong looked around, only to see the enemy approaching like a tidal wave, and his own men were few and far between. A wave of sadness washed over him, but he remained proud and fearless.