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Immortal-Volume 3 Chapter 12
Book 3: Nirvana Rebirth
Chapter 12: Reversing the situation
Translated by: Princeknife
Edited by: Megumin_Explosion
Assassinating Zhong Shan’s foster son was actually ordered by Su Lian Xian? At this moment, Su Lian Xian was falling into a disadvantageous position.
“I, Zhong Shan do things that do not let down the people and allows me to face the heavens. As a merchant, although I profited off the people, I have always given back to society. Great Song country may occupy vast fertile lands, but there were still uncountable numbers of people dying due to hunger.
While Great Kun does not occupy any fertile lands and is subjected to yearly floods and natural disasters, but not a single person has died of starvation, was this the work of your government? It was me, Zhong Shan who would provide emergency relief to save the people, which disaster wasn’t because of me, Zhong Shan’s great support? Today, all of you have gathered together for your own selfish desires to annihilate me for your own benefits?
In the future, which business man would dare to save the people on behalf of the country? The day after today, how will you be able to face the heavens and your people, even the army at your back, do you dare to say that none of them have received my grace before? ” Zhong Shan said in a loud voice.
Zhong Shan’s speech washed over the army. There were unexpectedly some disturbances within the army originally filled with killing intent. Indeed, majority of the troops did not receive Zhong Shan’s charity, but there was still some that received his charity, or their parents who were going to die of starvation during the famine had survived due to Zhong Shan’s trading company bringing large amount of provisions.
Now, they were following the army to kill their benefactor? Although soldiers should follow orders, but the heart is not made up of steel, devoid of emotions, there were some who felt conflicted in regards to killing Zhong Shan.
Turning his head backwards, Su Lian Xian could see some disturbance among his army and knew that the situation was not looking good.
The soldiers’ morale was falling, how could they attack the city now? Furthermore, Zhong Shan's words seemed to bolster the morale of the soldiers on the city wall, each and every one of them was shouting enthusiastically, their fighting spirit was overwhelming. Even the common people on the wall who were cowardly and timid, were now filled with vehement.
Charge? Definitely could not charge. Although his troops outnumber the defense troops on the wall, but they still cannot choose this moment to attack.
“Citizens, Zhong Shan went against the tide and publically revolted, citizen within the city, if you choose to come out, you will be pardon of any crimes, if not, you will be dealt with the same crimes as Zhong Shan.“ Su Lian Xian said. In an attempt to turn the situation around, but not only the city guards, even the citizen were heated up by Zhong Shan words, after all, within Xuan City, most of them had received Zhong Shan's act of kindness.“
The Emperor Su Zheng De already gave the order to sound the retreat.
Taking into account that his own people minds were affected and more importantly, the morale of his army. It would be better for them to retreat and come back after reorganizing the army's morale.
Su Lian Xian snorted as he looked at Zhong Shan, riding his mount as he followed the rest of the Xiantian experts in retreat, bringing with them the army as they continue making their way back to the large army barracks.
“Grand Uncle, you are too awesome. With a few phrases, you made the army of twenty thousand troop retreat.“ Ying Lan's eyes shot out an intense look of veneration.
Ying Lan was also a military commander in the past, but she was not as ridiculous as her Granduncle, with just a few phrases, he managed to make an army of twenty thousand soldiers retreat. It was simply unthinkable.
“Retreat? It was only temporary, but with this short time earned, it was sufficient, also the news will arrive soon and should work its magic soon.“ Zhong Shan nodded and laughed.
Soon after, Zhong Shan walks unhurriedly down the stairs of the city wall, and went back to continue to make plans for the war.
“Zheng De, why did you sound the retreat? We have twenty thousand soldiers, although it might be somewhat difficult to attack Xuan City, but as long as we kill Zhong Shan, it will all be worth it.“ Su Lian Xian asked his son anxiously.
“Father, what do you think our casualties would be, if we chose to rushed into the city?” Su Zheng De asked.
“At most, eight thousand soldiers to break into the city and most definitely be able to kill Zhong Shan.“ Su Lian Xian said.
Holding within Xuan City, the citizens will definitely unite against the common enemy, at that time, my army would have lost at least twelve thousand soldiers, while fifteen citizens would have died. The deaths of the soldiers is merely a minor issue, but the death of the common people would destabilize the country and how long can my Great Kun last?
“Indeed, late Emperor, the highness is right, although we can kill Zhong Shan then, but the Royal Family would have lost the trust of the people under the heavens, and the grievance of the people would rise from all corners. The people will no longer support the Royal Family and more people will rebel, furthermore the rest of the five nations are looking at our Great Kun like a tiger watching its prey, making its move at our most vulnerable moments.“ Eunuch Wei quickly said.
The rest of the Xiantian experts nodded in agreement. Indeed, what Su Zheng De did was correct, even the Su Family Old Ancestor was nodding his head.
“How much provisions could his Xuan City still have? We just have to wait patiently. Wasn't his your strategy father?“ Su Zheng De laughed.
Looking at Su Zheng De. Su Lian Xian anxiously said, “You are still unclear how scary Zhong Shan is. Before, we had the news that he was in seclusion and was severely injured, I then foolishly came out with such a strategy, but now I just realized how laughable my strategy was. I could feel that his boldness was greater than before, and as long as he had time, he could reverse the situation. We cannot give him any time to do so. That year, if it was not for me using all my efforts to plan and make him promised us, he would have already replace the Royal Family and become the head of Great Kun.“
“Enough!” The Su Family Old Ancestor interrupted.
Once the Old Ancestor interrupted, the crowd immediately kept quiet.
“Previously you were the ruler of the nation and yet you are unable to be collected under such situations, Zhong Shan is currently surrounded. How can he make the common people under him into trained soldiers? Also, how long could his provision last? How many houses can he take apart to be use as firewood? As long as the people are in disorder, Xuan City will fall on its own, Zhong Shan's reputation will be gone, and as we continue to surround him, how can he turn the situation around? Follow Zheng De's instructions and proceed.“ The Su Family Old Ancestor said.
“Yes“ Su Lian Xian could only nod his head. His face did not show any relief, the rest nodded in agreement as this was the best strategy that they have at the moment.
Three days later.
Xuan City, Zhong Mansion. Zhong Shan closed his eyes as he rested on the imperial chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the tea table, in front of him stood Zhong Tian, Zhong Zheng and Ying Lan as they waited for Zhong Shan.
Abruptly, Zhong Shan's fingers came to a stop, both of his eye wide open as he said, “Ok, follow my instructions to prepare, the war is going to happen today. I want to eliminate all the Xiantian experts and I want he army of eighty thousand to become mine.“
“Yes“ The trio nodded their head excitedly.
“Go on“ Zhong Shan laughed.
“Yes“ Zhong Tian, Zhong Zheng and Ying Lan answered immediately. Zhong Shan seemed to be pondering something as his brows was wrinkled and the three were discussing various things among themselves.
Ever since Su Lian Xian was interrupted by the Old Ancestor, he remained reserved and his expression was extremely solemn.
“It has already been a few days? There still hasn't been any disorder within the city?” The Su Family Old Ancestor asked.
Su Zheng De immediately replied, “Old Ancestor, it should be soon, even if they have some remaining provisions, their stockpile of firewood should be used up, and now they should be burning house furnitures daily, or more accurately, now they are burning their houses, the people will surely waver. All we have to do is wait. Wait for a little longer.“
“Hump, how do you what is happening inside the city? " Su Lian Xian glared. Turning around, “Father, there are tens of thousand people within Xuan City, their daily consumption should be immense.“ Su Zheng De answered confidently.
Outside the large tent, there was a loud anxious cry, someone barged into the tent without any notifications.
The person who entered was a sentry whose body was covered in blood, his hair was in a mess and there were many wounds on his body.
As soon as he came in, he kneeled in front of Su Zheng De.
“Your highness, something bad has happened, the day before, General Lin brought an army of thirty thousand soldiers and invaded the capital, and upon invading the royal palace, those with the blood of the Royal Family within the palace were beheaded at the south gate during the evening. The crown prince has also committed suicide, the capital has turned into ruins, the people are frightened and are fleeing.“
“Lin Xiao“ Su Zheng De bellowed with rage as he slammed his hands onto the tea table by his side and stood up.
The rest of the Xiantian experts also stood up as they looked at the soldiers in front of them in astonishment.
Lin Xiao? The war god of Great Kun.The supreme commander who had always protected the border, guarding against the invasion of Great Song, how did this happen, why did he lead an army to invade the capital? A rebellion?
The bloodline of the Su Family are all dead?
The setback this time round was too great, to the extent that it was simply unimaginable and utterly ridiculous. Within a short moment, the situation had been reversed?
“I vow to annihilate nine generations of your family.“ Su Zheng De roared in rage.
“Reporting!“
As the group was cursing in anger at Lin Xiao's rebellion, an anxious report sounded from outside the tent.
Soon, a soldier came running into the tent. The soldier was covered in black soot, several of his hair was burnt as if he just came out of a fire scene.
As the soldier entered, he paid his respect to Su Zheng De and reported.
“Your Highness, bad news, the location where we stored our rations suddenly burst into flames yesterday and the official in-charge of the rations has died in his tent, the fire happened too suddenly, all the rations were burned to ashes within a blink of an eye.“ The soldier reported fearfully.
“Ping“
Su Zheng De unawaringly knocked over the teacup on the table. Bad news, this is absolutely bad news, the rations were all burned into ashes?
To support an army of eighty thousand soldiers stationed here, the rations are the foundation of the army, once the rations are gone, the morale of the army will fall, and this battle will end in defeat.
“So to say, this was payback, we cut off Zhong Shan's supplies and Zhong Shan cut of ours, it was definitely Zhong Shan, it was definitely him.” Su Zheng De cried out.
“Also, that Lin Xiao did not rebel earlier, but he waited for this crucial moment to rebel? The closest city to us is the capital, since Lin Xiao has taken over the capital, he has cut off our path of retreat, and now that the rations that we have left can only last us for a day. Even if we are frugal with our rations, we can at most last for two days. With two days, we cannot bring the army to another city, and at the time, the eighty thousand troops will dispersed and my title of Emperor and the Royal Su Family will become nothing.“ Su Lian Xian quickly said as there was an inconceivable look in his eyes.
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