Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 325 - 324. The Fall of the Capital of Great Chu

324. The Fall of the Capital of Great Chu

Before they could properly celebrate New Year’s, Xu Hongyan and Mo Hua had embarked upon a long journey to the frozen wastes of the grassland beyond the Great Wall. The difficulties they suffered along the way need not be said. Those left to defend the Capital of Great Chu were also not in the mood to celebrate the New Year. Although Murong Shen and He Su’s armies provided support from the periphery, within a few days, the attacks from the Beirong forces seemed to diminish. However, the armies from the Northern Territory grew increasingly stronger and more numerous. He Su’s forces, ultimately unable to withstand the pressure of nearly a million enemy soldiers, withdrew from the battlefield early on.

However, upon leaving the battlefield, He Su did not remain idle. Instead, he gathered his forces and joined Murong Shen, who was still engaged in a fierce battle against the Beirong Army. The combined forces launched a powerful counteroffensive. After repelling the Beirong Army, they continued to pursue the enemy westward, relieving the defenders within the Capital of Great Chu of worries about attacks from the rear. Furthermore, if their westward pursuit led them to join forces with the Mo Family Army from Prince Ding’s Mansion, it would considerably shorten the travel time for the latter to reach the battlefield.

Due to the ongoing siege, the festive New Year’s atmosphere was conspicuously absent in the Capital of Great Chu. After a recent snowfall, the Northern Territory Army’s siege was temporarily suspended. The northern weather was harsh; a layer of ice had formed on the city walls following the snowfall, making them ten times more difficult to scale than usual. On the city tower, State Duke Hua, Leng Huai, and Leng Haoyu stood looking into the distance. The Northern Territory Army’s encampment was starkly visible against the white, snowy landscape. Gazing at the scene, Leng Haoyu sighed, "The Northern Territory has sent more reinforcements."

Narrowing his eyes, State Duke Hua said, "I’m afraid it’s not just reinforcements. The King of the Northern Territory himself has entered the army camp." He pointed to a distant spot where the flag of the King of the Northern Territory was hoisted at the center of the enemy camp. To boost the morale of the Northern Territory soldiers, the news of Ren Qining’s presence had not been concealed, so naturally, they had no qualms about letting the city’s defenders know.

Looking puzzled, Leng Huai asked, "Why is a five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on that royal flag?" Great Chu and Xiling shared a common heritage, so their flags and imperial symbols were based on dragon and phoenix totems. However, different ethnic groups in the border regions had varying totems. The Beirong, for instance, revered the wolf and used its head as their totem, while Nanzhao used floral motifs. Most tribes in the Northern Territory used images of fierce beasts as their totems, but none had ever used the dragon—a mythical creature.

Leaning against a cold city wall and flashing a grin, Leng Haoyu explained, "Because the current King of the Northern Territory, Ren Qining, claims to be an orphaned descendant of the previous dynasty."

"What?" Leng Huai and State Duke Hua were taken aback.

Doubtfully, Leng Huai asked, "The previous dynasty was overthrown two hundred years ago. Can this Ren Qining’s claim be true?"

Leng Haoyu shrugged and laughed. "Who knows? He’s a native of the Central Plains. Whether he wishes to claim descent from the previous dynasty or the one before that, no one can dispute it. When one aspires to rule the world, they always need some pretext, right?" Leng Huai and State Duke Hua exchanged a glance before the latter laughed and said, "Our Second Young Master Leng is right. Regardless of who he is, merely by leading the people of the Northern Territory to attack the Central Plains, he forfeits any right to seize the Central Plains under the guise of being an orphaned descendant of the previous dynasty. Even if he had started a rebellion directly, it wouldn’t have been as disgraceful." Being a descendant of the previous dynasty’s imperial family yet leading a group of barbarians to attack the Central Plains was hardly a reputable act. Furthermore, the self-proclaimed orthodox scholars of the Central Plains had always disdained ’barbarians beyond civilization,’ making Ren Qining’s actions even more difficult for them to accept.

Flashing a carefree smile, Leng Haoyu nonchalantly stated, "At the moment, the Northern Territory isn’t unified. There’s considerable discord between the natives of the Northern Territory and the Central Plains people whom Ren Qining heavily relies on. The play the Prince recently staged in the Northern Territory has probably left it appearing stable on the surface but actually fractured and divided within."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Leng Huai and State Duke Hua perked up their ears, curious. They obviously had no way of knowing that Prince Ding had already instigated trouble in the Northern Territory from hundreds of miles away. This wasn’t truly a secret, but those in the Capital of Great Chu, besieged and cut off from news, were completely unaware. Leng Haoyu didn’t hide anything. A twisted smile touched his lips as he said, "A few days ago, the Prince had Ren Qining’s wife and legitimate children assassinated. Shortly after, Ren Qining’s concubines and all their children—sons and daughters alike—also perished. Now, Ren Qining is practically alone in that imperial family of the Northern Territory."

These words shocked State Duke Hua and Leng Huai. What Prince Ding had done was ruthless and fraught with implications. It wasn’t just a brutal retaliation against Ren Qining; it was more than that. It was highly probable that people within the Northern Territory secretly blamed Ren Qining and the Central Plains people for the deaths of his legitimate wife (the Princess of Northern Territory) and children. Coupled with the deaths of Ren Qining’s children by concubines, which to outsiders looked like retaliation by the people of the Northern Territory, the perception of the truth became quite different. Even if Ren Qining himself knew the truth, whether anyone would believe him if he voiced it was another matter entirely. When Prince Ding planned this, he was still far away in Xiling. Despite the distance, he was able to manipulate the power dynamics and public opinion in Northern Jin, devising strategies that secured victory from miles away—truly no exaggeration.

State Duke Hua and Leng Huai exchanged a look and sighed. Prince Ding was truly a man of great talent and bold vision. It was no surprise that the Mo brothers, Jingqi and Jingli, had lost to him.

Leng Haoyu leaned against the wall, watching the distant Northern Territory Army camp, a cold smile flitting across his eyes. The state had long since perished; they should have known their place. Trying to restore their dynasty is nothing but an illusory dream. To think they even want to breach the Capital of Great Chu and let the Northern Territory rule the Central Plains! They will surely be wiped out soon!

The imperial family in the Northern Territory had been almost eradicated, and news of their alliance with Beirong reached the south. However, Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting, the two major powers in the south, could only take pleasure in their misfortune. Lei Zhenting even sneered, feeling much of the pent-up resentment from the past two months dissolve. If it hadn’t been for Ren Qining’s interference, even if the Xiling imperial palace had changed hands, his influence would not have been so thoroughly wiped out by Mo Xiuyao. Now, however, his attention was not on the north, but on the Xiling Emperor, who had just moved his capital to Ancheng City, and on Mo Jingli in the south. Although Mo Jingli was behaving, the Xiling Emperor, having moved his capital, was becoming restless. Mo Xiuyao had removed much of the Southern Garrison Prince’s influence in the court—now Tengfeng was finding it somewhat difficult to control this Xiling Emperor.

Although Xiling had lost a third of its northern lands, Lei Zhenting had also occupied a large part of Great Chu’s southern territory. After Murong Shen led his troops north, the southwestern passage was reopened, once again connecting the areas occupied by Lei Zhenting with Xiling. Thus, in this war, Xiling, apart from losing its imperial city, hadn’t suffered too many losses. But Lei Zhenting knew that the biggest winner was still Mo Xiuyao. Once the Capital of Great Chu fell into his hands, Prince Ding’s Mansion would control two imperial cities, one in the east and one in the west, and its power would immediately surpass that of all other nations. But despite understanding this, Lei Zhenting currently lacked the time to deal with Mo Xiuyao, so he could only grit his teeth and endure.

After Ren Qining personally arrived outside the Capital of Great Chu to supervise the battle, the Northern Territory Army’s offensive became increasingly fierce. The city’s defenders, after nearly three months of fighting, were not only exhausted but also faced dwindling food supplies. Not to mention the over a million citizens in the city who also needed to eat. Even on New Year’s Day, citizens and defenders alike received only a steamed bun and a bowl of thin porridge. The days of defending the city grew increasingly difficult, and to boost morale, even the elderly State Duke Hua had to personally supervise the battle on the city wall.

It dragged on until the eleventh day of the first lunar month. The Capital of Great Chu had defended against the Northern Territory Army for exactly three months and ten days, a total of one hundred and three days. Perhaps realizing that the Capital of Great Chu was truly at its breaking point, the Northern Territory Army attacked in shifts, showing no signs of fatigue, and their morale soared. At the top of the city wall, Leng Huai and State Duke Hua stood shoulder to shoulder, their resolute faces etched with exhaustion and the marks of hardship. Behind them were younger generals such as Leng Haoyu, Leng Qingyu, and Wei Lin. Uncharacteristically, Leng Haoyu’s usually cheerful face was stern.

Leng Huai looked at the imposing Northern Territory army camp not far below the city wall and said somewhat helplessly to State Duke Hua, "I’m afraid we might not be able to hold on for much longer..." Regret was evident in his voice. They had defended for three months, and the Capital of Great Chu had not fallen; as generals and officials, they had done their duty to Great Chu. It was just a pity they couldn’t hold out for the Mo Family Army.

State Duke Hua’s old face showed a touch of sadness as he gazed at the rows of enemy flags in the distance, his voice calm but firm, "Even if the Capital of Great Chu falls, I will live and die with it."

Leng Huai nodded. "The Old State Duke is absolutely right. This humble general shares the same sentiment. So long as the city stands, I stand with it. If the city falls, I will perish with it!"

Leng Haoyu descended the city wall. The current situation was indeed quite troublesome. He could escape easily by himself, but after months of defending the city, he had also experienced a great deal. He too was from a family of generals, and although he hadn’t spent much time on the battlefield in the past, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon his comrades and flee at this juncture. Moreover, his father and wife were still in the city. "Prince, if you don’t come soon, I, Second Leng, am really going to die here!" Leng Haoyu sighed with a wry, weary smile.

As he turned the street corner, a voice called from behind, "Second Brother," stopping Leng Haoyu.

Without looking back, Leng Haoyu knew who it was. He curled his lip, turned, and saw Leng Qingyu standing before him, clad in a white robe, his face solemn. His originally white, snow-lion patterned battle robe was now stained with dust, lending him an even grimmer air. Leng Haoyu had never had much to say to this legitimate elder brother of his. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Grand General Leng, what is it?"

Leng Qingyu frowned. "I have something to say to you."

Leng Haoyu raised an eyebrow and, without caring about the dust, leaned back against the wall. "I’m all ears," he said lightly.

"What is it about me that you look down on?" Leng Qingyu asked. Leng Haoyu merely smiled without speaking. Of course, I look down on him. As a concubine’s son and a legitimate son, their poor relationship was practically predestined. Leng Haoyu, unfavored since childhood, naturally found Leng Qingyu, who had received all their father’s affection and careful upbringing, an eyesore. And had Leng Qingyu, the legitimate son, ever truly regarded Leng Haoyu, his half-brother born of a concubine, with any respect?

As Leng Haoyu gradually grew up, befriended Mo Xiuyao and Third Feng, and acquired skills, his original displeasure towards Leng Qingyu transformed into disdain. So what if you’re the apple of Father’s eye? Despite all his praise, affection, and training, your martial arts aren’t as good as mine, your abilities don’t measure up to mine. Even on the battlefield, you wouldn’t necessarily outfight me. It’s just that I, this young master, can’t be bothered to compete with you!

So, after saving Leng Huai at Zijing Pass, Leng Haoyu had felt exhilarated. It was as if someone who could previously only revel in their accomplishments in secret could now openly display them to the world; the feeling was indescribable. Especially every time he saw Leng Qingyu’s gloomy face when Leng Huai praised him, the pleasure in Leng Haoyu’s heart doubled.

Leng Qingyu snorted. "I don’t care if you look down on me or not. Anyway, I don’t even know if I’ll survive this time. If I die, take good care of Father."

Huh? Leng Haoyu was stunned. He thought Leng Qingyu wanted to quarrel or something. Turns out he’s here to deliver his last words? He shrugged off the strange feeling in his heart and said, "If you have last words, tell your son. What’s it got to do with me?" Having said that, he turned and walked away. From behind, Leng Qingyu’s voice came, "In any case, if I die in battle, you’ll be the only son of the Leng Family. Take good care of Father." With that, he turned and walked towards the city wall without waiting for Leng Haoyu’s reaction. Leng Haoyu stood stunned for a moment, then, recovering, yelled at Leng Qingyu’s receding figure, "What’s it got to do with me if you die? I don’t give a damn about your Leng Family!"

Before the defenders of the Capital of Great Chu could catch their breath, the Northern Territory Army launched another attack. This time, the onslaught was even more ferocious than before. Soldiers manning the city walls were struck down one by one. Enemy soldiers crossed the moat, climbing the city walls only to be knocked down by defenders, their places immediately taken by others who surged forward. The top of the city wall was filled with the sounds of battle, and the heavy stench of blood hung in the air.

Finally, under the relentless barrage, the sturdy city gates collapsed. A vast number of Northern Territory soldiers surged in. High on the city tower, State Duke Hua picked up his silver spear, glanced at the ongoing fight on the fortress, and commanded, "Leng Huai, guard the city tower!" Leng Huai was taken aback and quickly asked, "Old State Duke, what are you...?" State Duke Hua said gravely, "I am going down to meet these men from the Northern Territory!"

Without waiting for Leng Huai to refuse, he strode down from the city tower. His light blue battle robe billowed in the cold wind, and for a moment, it was as if one could glimpse the image of State Duke Hua in his prime on the battlefield.

The city gate was wide. Although it was broken, the defending soldiers of Great Chu immediately rushed forward, attempting to block the incoming Northern Territory soldiers. Both armies engaged in a bloody battle at the gate. However, the hardy and fearless Northern Territory soldiers were not foes these exhausted and starving soldiers of Great Chu could withstand; the defenders of the Capital of Great Chu were forced into a constant retreat. Soldiers from the Northern Territory poured in endlessly. If this continued, holding the city fortress would be meaningless. Leng Huai had no choice but to order the city defenders to retreat into the city and engage in decentralized combat. This siege had already lasted for more than three months, and the battle had now reached a desperate, kill-or-be-killed stage. In less than an hour, the shouts of battle had engulfed the entire Capital of Great Chu.

Despite Ren Qining’s prior prohibitions, the Northern Territory soldiers were far from disciplined. Many residential areas were destroyed, and the looting of gold, silver, and jewelry was rampant. Any city resident who resisted was likely to be slain by the Northern Territory soldiers. This prosperous city, which had flourished for hundreds of years, had transformed into a hell on earth in an instant, the air thick with the reek of blood and the sky echoing with cries of terror.

The imperial palace sat at the heart of the Capital of Great Chu, now with barely any guards left. The spacious palace was deathly silent, almost devoid of human presence. Deep inside, a young man and woman sat huddled together. The girl was beautiful, but a large scar covered half her face, lending her exquisite features an eerie look. "Little brother, are you scared?" The girl was Princess Zhenning, daughter of Noble Consort Liu. Sitting next to her was Mo Xiaoyun, Noble Consort Liu’s eldest son, who had been enfeoffed as Prince Changxing by Mo Jingli.

Mo Xiaoyun shook his head. "I’m not scared. Big sister, don’t be afraid. I’ll be here with you..." Mo Xiaoyun tried to comfort his sister softly as the distant shouting from outside the palace walls drew nearer. A few guards rushed towards them. One of them said urgently, "My Prince, Princess, the Northern Territory soldiers are about to break in. Please evacuate with us now!"

Mo Xiaoyun shook his head lightly. "No need. You all go and help State Duke Hua and General Leng. My sister and I aren’t going anywhere."

Princess Zhenning held her brother’s hand and nodded. "That’s right. I am a princess of Great Chu. Even in death, I will die here in this palace. You all go. A few of you won’t be able to hold them back; it would only be a senseless sacrifice." The guards exchanged glances, understanding the Prince and Princess had made their decision. The imperial family of Great Chu had abandoned its people and fled. While those who remained understandably harbored resentment, they couldn’t help but feel a newfound respect for this sibling pair’s resolution. Standing up, they cupped their hands in salute and said, "In that case, My Prince, Princess, take care."

Watching the departing guards, peace returned to the palace chambers. The siblings sat, leaning against each other for warmth in the chilly January air. The palace, deprived of the usual warmth from charcoal fires, felt colder than ever. "I wonder how our little brother is doing," Princess Zhenning murmured. They had chosen to remain in the Capital of Great Chu, while their younger brother had been taken away by Mo Jingli—likely a move intended to control Mo Xiaoyun.

Mo Xiaoyun spoke softly, "He should be alive. I just hope he’s safe and sound."

"But I just can’t accept this! I haven’t found that woman yet..." Princess Zhenning caressed the scar on her face, her expression one of loathing. She hadn’t had the chance to avenge herself on that woman! That woman—her own mother—was the reason she was like this! Now she would die with such an ugly scar!

"Big Sister..."

In the city, the fighting lasted from dawn till dusk, with Northern Territory soldiers occupying an increasing amount of territory. The surviving soldiers of Great Chu’s area of activity steadily shrank. Despair and helplessness had overcome everyone. Many, their eyes bloodshot with grim determination, charged into the Northern Territory Army, resolved to take a few enemies down with them even in death.

Outside the city, Ren Qining stood by his horse, listening to the continuous sounds of fighting within. A commander beside him remarked, "The people of Chu have always been considered weak, yet it’s surprising they possess such bravery. They’ve fought to near annihilation and still refuse to surrender." Ren Qining replied indifferently, "It’s not weakness, but resilience. Excessive rigidity makes one brittle and prone to breaking. The people of the Central Plains may not match the fierce valor of the borderland peoples, but they are incredibly tenacious. That’s why they have controlled this fertile land for thousands of years."

The Northern Territory general at his side seemed unconvinced but said nothing after a glance at Ren Qining.

Suddenly—a spark, vibrant as a flame, bloomed in the sky. A thunderous rumbling echoed in the distance, and even the ground seemed to tremble slightly. Everyone recoiled in shock. Ren Qining sat upright on his horse, waving his whip and cursing, "That useless Yelv Ye!" A general beside him exclaimed in horror, "Has the Mo Family Army arrived?!"

"Aside from the Black Cloud Cavalry, who else could produce such a commotion?" Ren Qining said resentfully, then roared fiercely, "Send more troops into the city! We must take the Capital of Great Chu before the Mo Family Army arrives!"

"Yes!"

Naturally, those fighting fiercely in the city also saw the fireworks in the sky. In the midst of battle, Leng Haoyu’s eyes lit up. Kicking away a Northern Territory soldier before him, he leaped to a higher position and shouted, "The Mo Family Army is here! Open the west city gate!" Fortunately, the western part of the city was still in the hands of the Army of Great Chu. Upon hearing this, the spirits of all the soldiers of Great Chu were instantly lifted. Soon, others joined the cry, "The Mo Family Army is here! The Mo Family Army is here!" The shouts quickly spread throughout the city. Even many citizens hiding in their homes began to cheer. Some with martial arts skills even ran out to fight the Northern Territory soldiers. Indeed, in the various streets and alleys, a considerable number of Northern Territory soldiers were ambushed and knocked unconscious.

The west gate of the Capital of Great Chu boomed open, and the soldiers of Great Chu inside swarmed westward to ensure the Northern Territory soldiers wouldn’t seize the gate before the Mo Family Army arrived. The Black Cloud Cavalry rode like the wind. Initially, the sound seemed miles away, but in a short while, a black-clad column swept into the city like a black whirlwind.

The main road in the Capital of Great Chu was very spacious, so much so that the mounted Black Cloud Cavalry felt no congestion. Wherever the black whirlwind passed, blood spurted, and they were invincible.

Upon seeing the Black Cloud Cavalry, Leng Haoyu finally heaved a sigh of relief. He grabbed a Black Cloud Cavalryman and asked, "Has the main army arrived?" The soldier, startled by his intensity, almost fainted but quickly recovered and said, "The infantry is slower; we cavalry came ahead." Leng Haoyu was somewhat disappointed. "When will the main army arrive?"

The Black Cloud Cavalryman replied, "I don’t know."

"Who is leading the Black Cloud Cavalry?"

"Third Young Master Feng!"

Leng Haoyu released the Black Cloud Cavalryman and raced towards the west of the city. When he reached the western gate, he indeed saw Feng Zhiyao standing beneath it in his usual dashing red attire, smiling at him. "Well, well, it’s rare to see Second Young Master Leng so disheveled." "Disheveled" was an understatement; Leng Haoyu was bathed in blood, covered in wounds large and small. Luckily, none were severe enough to impede his movement. Annoyed, he shot Feng Zhiyao a glare and said, "State Duke Hua and the others are trapped near the palace! Send someone to rescue them, quickly!"

Feng Zhiyao’s expression turned serious. He waved a squad of cavalry forward into the city. However, he himself had to remain at the gate to secure the entrance for the incoming Mo Family Army. If, by some misfortune, the Northern Territory army seized the gate by the time the Mo Family Army arrived, it would be a disaster. Catching his breath, Leng Haoyu asked, "How many men did you bring?"

Feng Zhiyao replied helplessly, "How many can the Black Cloud Cavalry muster? Twenty thousand."

Leng Haoyu nodded. "That should be enough to hold out until the Prince arrives." Leng Haoyu naturally knew that the Black Cloud Cavalry prioritized quality over quantity. Ignoring Feng Zhiyao, he waved his hand and, leading two squads of Black Cloud Cavalry, charged murderously back towards the city center.