lcionline Chapter 137 Defeat
Chapter 137 Defeat
As time went on, the garrison of Cangzhou City gradually showed signs of fatigue, the rain of arrows on the city walls gradually thinned, and Liu Shan's breathing became increasingly rapid and heavy.
The Shenwu Army's offensive grew increasingly fierce, and the defending forces' lines were on the verge of collapse.
Princess Changning bit her red lips, but there was no sign of retreat in her eyes. She shouted loudly to encourage everyone: "Hold on! For Cangzhou, we swear to fight to the death!"
Despite being covered in wounds, the laborers gritted their teeth and persevered.
Seeing this, the general of the Divine Martial Army sneered and brandished his sword, commanding: "Attack with all our might! We will surely take this city today!"
Before he finished speaking, the Divine Martial Army pounced on him like wolves and tigers.
Liu Shan was extremely anxious, knowing that if things continued this way, the city of Cangzhou might not be able to be saved.
He took a deep breath, brandished his sword, and charged into the enemy ranks. Blood splattered wherever the blade passed, and soldiers of the Divine Martial Army fell one after another. However, reinforcements kept pouring in, and Liu Shan gradually felt overwhelmed.
The city gate was eventually breached, and the laborers used their bodies to block the breach. Li Wanqing's arrows never missed, and she did her best to cover them.
Princess Changning brandished her sword and commanded, her voice hoarse with determination: "I swear to live and die with this city!"
The morale of the defending troops improved slightly, but the situation remained critical.
In the critical moment, the sound of retreat was heard from the rear of the Divine Martial Army.
Should we call a retreat?
On the verge of the city falling?
Although the generals of the Divine Martial Army looked puzzled, they dared not disobey orders and had no choice but to order a retreat. The soldiers, though unwilling, also quickly withdrew.
Inside Cangzhou City, everyone looked at each other, puzzled.
Princess Changning gripped her sword hilt tightly, her gaze sharp, secretly wondering: Could something have changed? Li Wanqing took the opportunity to adjust her bowstring, preparing for the possible next attack.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Liu Shan retreated back into the city, vigilantly watching the movements of the Shenwu Army, secretly rejoicing that he had a chance to catch his breath.
Although the Shenwu Army soldiers retreated, they did not go far and remained watchful.
The general of the Divine Martial Army had a grim look in his eyes and questioned the Xia Emperor's envoy: "Why sound the retreat? The battle is raging, how can you so easily suggest withdrawing the troops!"
The envoy replied coldly, "His Majesty has ordered that Princess Changning be brought to the capital as a hostage. I'm afraid the general has misunderstood the word 'invitation'."
The generals of the Divine Martial Army looked grim, but they had no choice but to comply.
At this moment, the Xia Emperor's envoy rode out on horseback and shouted, "Princess Changning, do not make a mistake! As long as you go to the capital as a hostage, Prince Kang will release you, and Cangzhou City will be spared the ravages of war!"
Princess Changning frowned slightly, caught in a dilemma.
Liu Shan's eyes widened in anger as he shouted, "Princess, we absolutely cannot agree to this! We would rather die in battle than suffer such humiliation!"
Li Wanqing also held Princess Changning's hand tightly and said firmly, "Princess, we are with you and will never let you face danger alone!"
Liu Shan clasped his hands in a fist salute, about to speak further, but was stopped by Princess Changning who raised her hand: "Liu, my mind is made up. The safety of Prince Kang concerns the future of Cangzhou, and I must go there in person. If you are truly for me, then help me protect this land."
Seeing Liu Shan's stubborn expression, Princess Changning continued, "Lieutenant Liu, I understand your feelings, but Cangzhou City is now completely surrounded by the Shenwu Army. We are outnumbered and our strength is far inferior. How can we resist?"
Liu Shan clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Even so, I can't just stand by and watch you, Princess, take such a risk. At worst, I'll fight this Divine Martial Army to the death, and we'll all perish together!"
Princess Changning felt a warmth in her heart, but her face remained clouded with worry: "Lieutenant Liu, I appreciate your kindness. But we both know that our chances of winning this battle are slim, and it will only plunge the people of Cangzhou into greater disaster."
Seeing the resolute tone of Princess Changning, Liu Shan could only sigh and cup his hands, saying, "Since Your Highness has made such a decision, Liu Shan is willing to protect your safety with his life. I humbly request that you allow me to accompany you."
Princess Changning turned around, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes. She said softly, "Liu Shan, I appreciate your loyalty, but this trip to the capital is no small matter. It is more important for you to stay here and stand shoulder to shoulder with Commander Li."
Moved, she looked at everyone and made a decision in her heart.
She took a deep breath and responded loudly, "Envoy, do not worry. Although I am a woman, I understand the greater good of the nation. I am willing to go to the capital as a hostage, but you must guarantee the safety of Prince Kang and the peace of the people of Cangzhou!"
The envoy was slightly taken aback, then cupped his hands and said, "Princess, rest assured, His Majesty the Xia Emperor is a man of his word and will certainly keep his promise!"
Liu Shan said urgently, "Princess, you can't go! We still have a way, we can..."
Princess Changning interrupted Liu Shan, her gaze resolute, and said, "Lieutenant Liu, my mind is made up. The safety of Prince Kang concerns the future of Cangzhou City. I cannot allow Cangzhou City to fall into an even greater crisis because of my own selfish desires."
With tears in her eyes, Li Wanqing hugged Princess Changning tightly: "Princess, what will we do if you go to the capital?"
Princess Changning gently patted Li Wanqing's shoulder and said softly, "Wanqing, don't worry, I will definitely come back. You all must take care of yourselves and protect Cangzhou City."
Although Liu Shan was extremely reluctant, he knew that Princess Changning's decision was correct.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Princess, rest assured, we will definitely protect Cangzhou City and wait for your return!"
Princess Changning nodded, then turned to the envoy and said, "Let's go, I'll go to the capital with you!" The envoy was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying, "We await the Princess's departure!"
……
Several days later, King Kang returned to Cangzhou under the escort of the Divine Martial Army.
With his support, Liu Shan began to reorganize his personal guard and do his utmost to eliminate the rebellious forces within Cangzhou City.
After arduous efforts, all the rebel forces were finally wiped out, and Cangzhou City returned to its former peace and tranquility.
Liu Shan's reputation in Cangzhou City grew ever stronger, and the people praised his bravery and wisdom.
However, Liu Shan always had Princess Changning on his mind.
Late one night, Liu Shan was deep in thought in his study when he suddenly heard soft footsteps outside the door.
He looked up and saw Li Wanqing wearing a light blue dress, slowly walking into the study.
Liu Shan was overjoyed and quickly stood up to greet her: "Wanqing, why have you come at this time?"
Li Wanqing smiled slightly, a hint of shyness on her face: "Husband, I have something I want to tell you."
Liu Shan's heart stirred, and he gently grasped Li Wanqing's hand: "Wanqing, just say what you want to say. Is there anything we can't talk about?"
Li Wanqing took a deep breath, raised her head, and looked at Liu Shan with firm eyes: "Husband, after spending this time together, I have found that I have fallen deeply in love with you. The three rules we made before were because I was too ignorant. Now I understand, and I am willing to abolish those rules and love you with all my heart."
Liu Shan was overjoyed and too excited to speak.
Liu Shan hugged Li Wanqing tightly and said affectionately, "Wanqing, I love you too. From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were the one destined for me."