Chapter 980 The Chu Kingdom's Ruler

"This is a battle destined to be recorded in history."

Huang Gonggong sighed from horseback.

His right shoulder was bandaged, and a specially made Jindong army wound patch covered the left side of his face, making him look rather comical and disheveled.

Yes, Huang Gonggong had personally entered the fray once more. He held his saber high, spurred his horse, and followed the group of Yan army knights, chasing after the fleeing Chu soldiers.

Then, Huang Gonggong wasn't careful enough, and his horse bucked, throwing him off. When he landed, he wanted to show off his old prowess by trying to push himself up with his palm.

However, the force of the impact broke his arm. Not only did he fail to lift himself up, but his face also smacked the ground, scraping a large gash.

The injury was a bit embarrassing, but Huang Gonggong didn't pay too much attention to the details. It was good to return with an injury.

Was this an injury?

No,

This was glory!

According to the Jindong army's merit system, spoils of war and prisoners would be divided according to the corresponding division of labor of the troops. Therefore, since Huang Gonggong had joined the military operation, even if he was injured and left midway, he would still have 1.5 prisoners credited to him.

The record-keeper, Guo Dong, very considerately reduced Huang Gonggong's 1.5 prisoner credits to one.

Huang Gonggong, overjoyed at having his merit reduced, gifted Guo Dong a small jade snuff bottle that he carried with him.

The Jindong army had strict discipline. Embezzling and falsely reporting military merits were serious crimes.

However, Guo Dong was reducing merit, and the person involved didn't object at all, so it naturally had nothing to do with any offense.

And Huang Gonggong, clutching this merit slip, could say that he was inept, but he had personally captured an enemy chieftain on the battlefield after returning to the capital.

This would avoid the awkwardness of explaining the extra "half".

Accompanying Huang Gonggong was Liu Dahu.

"The Chu people previously did their best to exaggerate this battle. A few years ago, they even changed the names of three commanderies to take the names of three witch gods. Therefore, this battle in Chu is referred to as the Battle of the Three Witches, or even the Battle of the Witch Gods.

Now it seems that the witch gods can't save the Chu people either.

However, it's fitting for this battle to enter the history books under this name, don't you think?"

Liu Dahu nodded and said:

"Replying to Gonggong, this humble one doesn't recognize many characters."

"You're being modest, modest." Huang Gonggong certainly knew that Liu Dahu was someone who could review military reports for the Regent, "The memorial I'm sending to His Majesty uses the words 'Battle of the Witch Gods,' hehe."

Liu Dahu also smiled.

"After this battle, the Chu Kingdom will be completely unable to rise again. Of the four great powers of the Xia, the Jin Kingdom was destroyed long ago, and the Chu Kingdom has been beaten down. The remaining Qian Kingdom, haha, you don't even need to attack it, it's a waste itself.

The unification of the Xia that the late Emperor and all the Emperors of my Great Yan have been longing for is really right before our eyes.

I am fortunate to be born in this era, and I am fortunate to be able to shamelessly stand by our Prince's side in the command tent.

You don't know,

That kid Wei Zhonghe, his 'appreciation' from the Prince when he was just a garrison commander has now become a laughingstock."

"This humble one has heard about it."

"Haha, right? Let me tell you, that old fox's face turns pale every time he hears someone mention it."

Huang Gonggong wasn't afraid of Wei Gonggong.

Perhaps he was afraid before, but now, he was indifferent.

Even if you, Wei Zhonghe, have the cultivation of a Qi Refiner and have served two emperors as a confidant,

Could you go to the army and be a mascot!

"By the way, where is the Prince at the moment?"

"He's probably already crossed the Wei River."

"Then we won't be able to catch up."

"Gonggong, don't worry, just take your time. Actually, the Prince means that Gonggong can stay in Zhennan Pass to recuperate."

"That won't do, that won't do. My Great Yan isn't the Qian Kingdom. How can there be a reason for the Prince to fight in front while the Gonggong sips tea in the back? No matter where the Prince is now, as long as he's in front, I still have to catch up.

I'm not good for anything else, but at least I can pour tea and hand water by the Prince's side. Anyway, there are few in this world who can compare to me in serving people."

As the two rode, Yan soldiers escorting Chu prisoners of war were constantly heading north along the way.

The Chu army collapsed, and the Yan army pursued.

It was naturally impossible to completely eliminate the killing of prisoners, but under the Prince's decree, all departments and garrisons maintained great restraint. For the sake of military merit, they had to restrain the desire to kill in their hearts.

"So many prisoners of war, I wonder how much grain it will take to feed them." Huang Gonggong sighed.

"Half of the Chu Kingdom has been captured. Gonggong should be worried about how many people it will take to plant grain on such a large piece of land."

Hearing this, Huang Gonggong suddenly lowered his neck, moved his mount closer to Liu Dahu, and whispered:

"Little brother Dahu, just give me a hint, has the Prince mentioned how to settle this newly captured territory?"

Fan City, Liusha, Sansuo, plus Shanggu, that's four commanderies. Adding the three commanderies that will soon fall with the loss of the main force, that's seven commanderies. Its area is much larger than Jindong's.

How exactly to settle such a large territory naturally requires an explanation.

The concept of "all land under heaven belongs to the Emperor" doesn't apply in Great Yan, because Jin Dong has long been accustomed to being a state within a state.

Liu Dahu replied: "Gonggong, this matter will naturally be discussed between our Prince and His Majesty. We have no say in it."

Huang Gonggong nodded, not feeling that Liu Dahu's words were just a perfunctory response, but rather deeply agreeing:

"That's right, that's right. Perhaps His Majesty and the Prince have already decided on a plan."

…

Behind them, Huang Gonggong, accompanied by Liu Dahu, continued to rush on;

In front of them, the Regent of Great Yan had already crossed the Wei River and stood at the riverbank.

After the front line collapsed, the rear Chu army had no intention of trying to turn the tide. In fact, the troops at the front were often the most elite, while the troops at the rear were mostly just there to fill numbers.

If they really wanted to turn the tide, they would only be overwhelmed by the massive number of fleeing soldiers at the front, causing a series of subsequent collapses.

Therefore, Xie Yu'an, the Chu's Three-Border Commander, immediately ordered the Chu navy to turn back, and the rear troops retreated in all directions.

When the vanguard of the Yan army arrived here, they faced an almost undefended Wei River defense line.

Zheng Fan sat on horseback, his gaze falling on the location of the gravestone cluster.

When the army had retreated earlier, the Jinyi guards had requested to bring back the remains of their comrades, but Zheng Fan had refused.

Now, the Yan army had won a great victory and returned, even if the graves here had been dug up and the corpses exposed to the wilderness, these soldiers, whether dead or alive, wouldn't care, after all, they were the victors.

However, the tombstones had not been damaged, and had even been given some decorations.

Obviously, the Chu army had deliberately protected this area, and there had been no acts of venting anger, whether when they were attacking or when they retreated.

Zheng Fan even saw Xie Yu'an's inscription on the newly erected tombstone.

Perhaps, that Xie Family's Prodigy had already prepared for this, and hadn't completely cut off all possibilities.

Because everyone knew that the Regent of Great Yan was a sentimental person, and he had slaughtered cities and killed prisoners more than once for the sake of those he cared about.

The Blind Man stepped forward and said, "Master, news has just arrived that Jin Shuke has taken Moyai Commandery, and Li Chenghui has also taken Wenqiu Commandery."

Zheng Fan nodded and said, "The Chu people retreated very decisively."

"Yes." The Blind Man smiled, "The remaining soldiers are shrinking back to Shangyang Commandery, and after that, it will be the Chu Kingdom's capital region."

It could be said that the people of the Chu Kingdom's capital region, who originally had a strong sense of regional superiority, were only separated from becoming border residents by a layer of membrane.

"It's a pity that many of our main forces are still in Shanggu Commandery capturing prisoners. Otherwise, we could try to take Shangyang Commandery as well."

"That's not how battles are fought." Zheng Fan rejected the Blind Man's suggestion, "When you throw a punch, you have to leave some strength for a return. There's no need to throw everything out.

In this national war, we've been taking steady and solid steps. It's the Chu people who are impatient and ultimately willing to bet everything.

We weren't in a hurry before, and now, naturally, we don't need to be in a hurry even more.

Even if we impatiently take Shangyang Commandery, what's the point?

It's just another Shanggu Commandery. Are you thinking of taking the Chu Kingdom's capital region in one fell swoop?

If you get too excited, be careful of falling again."

"Master is right, the meat is already in the bowl, it just needs to cool down a little longer."

"However, Shangyang Commandery doesn't need to be attacked, and the Chu Kingdom's capital region can also be left alone for the time being, but some things still need to be done.

Do you know what a son-in-law likes most when he returns to his wife's parents' house?"

The Blind Man smiled knowingly and said, "Showing off wealth."

"Hahaha."

Zheng Fan also laughed and said, "Yes, let her family see that she didn't choose the wrong man.

After all, Da Niu's mother eloped with me back then."

The Blind Man nodded and said; "Master, this subordinate thinks that the Chu Emperor's family will definitely be very pleased that their younger sister didn't choose the wrong man."

"Send someone to order Jin Shuke to lead the army to clear the way for me first. I want to ride my horse under their Yingdu City."

"This subordinate understands."

Zheng Fan's gaze fell on the location of the tombstone again, saying:

"Oh, right, Blind Man, when the war started, about that traveling opera troupe that was sent in, you said there was some mastermind behind it?"

"Master, the Chu Kingdom's Qi Refiners are presented as witches, but the method of possessing the old man was clearly not the style of Chu witches;

Furthermore, they were constantly talking about fate and destiny, and also mentioned the Xia. This subordinate guesses that there should be a force that has been waiting for the so-called fate to arrive so they can take advantage of it.

You know, those Qi Refiners are the most superstitious about this."

"But I didn't see their people on the battlefield."

"Yes, Master should know better that those Qi Refiners are also the most cowardly."

"Hehe, under the general trend, they can't make any waves. However, since they've stuck their heads out, don't think about sinking back down. After the situation stabilizes, you and San'er will be responsible for digging deeper."

"This subordinate will."

"Now, I'm no longer afraid of thousands of troops. Anyway, in terms of thousands of troops, neither Qian, Chu, nor other small countries will be my opponents.

On the contrary, it's these things hidden beneath the surface that might not just be Qi Refiners;

In short,

Their existence makes me uncomfortable."

"This subordinate feels the same way. Please rest assured, Master, after the war stabilizes, this subordinate will personally preside over the investigation of this matter and will definitely help Master ferret them out."

"Good."

…

The remnants of the Chu army held firm in Shangyang Commandery, but not with full-scale control, only within a few large cities.

They watched as the Yan army cavalry passed through their line of sight, but they had already lost the courage to take the initiative to leave the city to intercept them, even though they knew in their hearts that their capital was behind them.

But what could they do?

The soldiers were already as afraid of the Yan as tigers, and their fighting spirit had been completely shattered;

Even those generals, even if they had the loyalty to protect His Majesty, knew that forcibly pulling out the troops at hand to face the Yan at this moment would serve no other purpose than to give the Yan people military merit.

A hundred years ago, after the First Marquis of Zhenbei defeated the Qian Kingdom's 500,000-strong army, under the premise of not receiving subsequent reinforcements and support, he led his few iron cavalry to trample three commanderies of the Qian Kingdom, which are now the Three Borders;

The Qian people felt the same way back then, they could only watch helplessly and dare not go up to fight again.

The Yan army didn't encounter too much resistance after entering the capital region.

After the news of the defeat on the front line reached them, all the forces in the Chu Kingdom's capital region were concentrated in Yingdu;

And Yingdu was also filled with an atmosphere of unease.

Who told the Yan people to have invaded the capital and burned everything to the ground back then?

Now, the Prince of Jingnan of the Yan people was gone, but the Regent who inherited the Prince of Jingnan's mantle had arrived, and he still crushed the army of Great Chu.

This anxious and uneasy emotion was boiling in the people and in the court.

…

"Lost the battle?"

"Yes, Empress Dowager."

"Where's Tingshan?"

"He is said to have died in battle."

The Chu Emperor peeled a lychee and put it into his Empress Dowager's mouth.

The Empress Dowager of Great Chu sat in her chair, opened her mouth, ate the lychee, and slowly chewed it in her mouth.

After a long time,

The Empress Dowager looked at the Emperor,

And asked;

"Can you still get up?"

The Chu Emperor was silent.

"Why can't you tell your mother anything?"

"It's difficult." The Chu Emperor gave his answer.

The Empress Dowager reached out and put her hand on the back of the Chu Emperor's hand:

"Actually, this mother doesn't have much attachment to the Xiong family's world. Don't tire yourself too much."

"Empress Dowager, the throne was fought for by your son himself. In any case, your son can only continue along this path."

"Will the Yan people invade the capital?"

"They probably won't be able to invade for a while."

"What about later?"

"Then your son will go to Chu Nan."

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "This mother is old. When people get old, they feel that life and death, whether they are buried in the imperial mausoleum or buried in a straw mat, is nothing more than a pair of dry bones.

You can decide for yourself, and this mother can't give you any advice."

"Your son understands."

The Chu Emperor stood up and said, "Empress Dowager, your son has to go and stabilize the situation."

"Go and be busy."

"Your son takes his leave."

The Chu Emperor turned around and walked out.

As the distance between the mother and son increased,

The original kindness on the Empress Dowager's face gradually faded, replaced by an increasingly deep resentment.

Suddenly,

The Chu Emperor's footsteps stopped, and the resentment on the Empress Dowager's face froze.

"Empress Dowager."

"Is there anything else, Emperor?"

The Chu Emperor didn't turn around, which was a great disrespect;

And the Empress Dowager didn't even bother to hide her voice, it was filled with disgust.

"Do you think your son is a good Emperor?"

"Of course."

"But I don't think so, hehe."

The Chu Emperor walked out of the Empress Dowager's palace.

"Empress Dowager, His Majesty has left." The close-fitting female official stepped forward.

"Pa!"

The Empress Dowager slapped the female official's face,

"He… is not the Emperor!"

…

Yingdu, the city tower.

The Emperor in his dragon robe stood at the highest point, dismissing everyone.

Below, a group of Fengchao Guards provided protection.

The city wall was also full of guards;

In the distance, a cloud of dust appeared, and iron cavalry swept in.

The Chu Emperor put his hands on the railing in front of him,

And smiled:

"Look, they've been beaten to our faces again. Last time, you could say that you were deliberately borrowing the Yan people's blade to remove the aristocratic corruption from this Great Chu;

So,

What about this time?

You, ah, you,

You are always so self-righteous."

After saying these words, the Chu Emperor waited for a long time.

"What's wrong, you're not talking? Do you admit it? Your ambition is all gone?

That's not like you;

Back then, when you chose to swallow me, how heroic you were, your spirit filling the universe.

Or, are you too lazy to waste your breath with me, wanting to accumulate strength to suppress me again?

I don't deny it,

You might be able to succeed a few more times,

But your current Great Chu is already shattered, and the imperial aura on your body has also been broken along with it. How long can you suppress me?

I can give you a suggestion,

Sleep, just go to sleep, and I'll live in your place.

Aren't the Chu people proud to be the children of the Fire Phoenix? I… will treat them well, hehe."

A distance away from the city below, the Yan army cavalry had already formed their formation. The Chu army on the city wall was facing a great enemy. Even though the Yan army didn't have the slightest intention of attacking the city, the Chu army still hurriedly placed all the defensive equipment they could prepare on the city wall.

At this time, the Yan army formation raised the Prince's banner.

As soon as the Prince's banner was raised,

The Chu Emperor, standing on the high city tower, suddenly changed his expression,

His hands,

Began to tremble, and the mocking gaze from before was instantly filled with fear.

"Knife, knife, knife!"

The Chu Emperor shouted these three words. In the depths of his soul, he seemed to see a knife cutting towards him, and he was screaming miserably under this knife.

"Ahhhhh!!!"

The Chu Emperor leaned back;

A group of Fengchao Guards hurried up the city tower, but immediately heard the Emperor's voice:

"Retreat."

"As you command."

On the city tower,

The Chu Emperor raised his head again, his hair was already soaked with sweat, and his knuckles had already turned white.

"Beast, you think that now that Chu is broken and my imperial aura is weak, you have a chance, do you?

Why don't you think about it with your brain,

If this Great Chu is completely destroyed,

I certainly won't be able to be this Emperor,

What about you?

Without Great Chu, without the Chu people,

In the future,

Who will go to worship, no, who will remember that Fire Phoenix Totem?

Without Great Chu,

Do you think there will still be you?"

…

Below the city wall,

Zheng Fan hadn't expected that his side had just raised the Prince's banner, and soon after, the Chu Emperor's Golden Crow Dragon Flag was raised on the city wall.

"What a coincidence, Master, your brother-in-law is actually here waiting for you."

Zheng Fan smiled,

Waved his hand forward,

Immediately,

A group of Yan army knights spurred their horses forward, facing the towering city wall,

And shouted in unison:

"The Regent of Great Yan has returned home today, we ask the ruler of the Chu Kingdom to prepare a banquet!"

---

I was a bit tired after writing the climax plot, so there's only one chapter today. There will be two chapters tomorrow, hold on tight everyone!