"To the city walls!"
With Han Shizhong's order, five thousand soldiers followed him, a mighty force heading straight for the city walls.
4
"Someone, set up tents. From today onwards, this official will be working here!"
Watching the soldiers begin to move out, Han Mo also gave his instructions.
"Yes!"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Jiang Yan quickly responded and began to prepare.
"My lord, are we really going to live here? There are plenty of empty houses in the city. What if..."
Li Yueyang had barely finished speaking when he saw Han Mo's almost-smile.
"I warn all of you, do not play any tricks on me. Anyone who dares to undermine morale here will not be forgiven for my ruthlessness! If anyone doesn't want to be an official anymore, then take off your robes and leave the city with your families!"
In this era, war was fought with morale, the spirit of the soldiers. Especially in a situation of being outnumbered, if this spirit faltered, the city would truly be lost.
"Yes!"
Seeing Han Mo's murderous gaze, Li Yueyang shivered and quickly responded.
"Rest assured, everyone. As long as we can defend Mingzhou City, I guarantee that after things settle down, each of you will have opportunities for great advancement! In the southeastern regions, many have lost their armies and shamed their nations. While not a few have died for their country, those who can truly hold a city are truly rare. If you have this record, when the imperial army completes its duty, ponder this carefully for yourselves..."
After giving a slap, it was time for a sweet treat. Seeing the officials looking like quail, Han Mo immediately produced a sugar-coated bullet.
Although they knew it was a sugar-coated bullet, these people were truly delighted.
After all, as Han Mo said, the southeastern six routes were not short of official positions at this time.
When the imperial army finished its task of quelling the rebellion, if they had the merit of holding a city under the siege of several times their number of rebels, coupled with Han Mo's support, why would they not be promoted and get rich?
"Thank you for your guidance, my lord!"
After a moment of hesitation, all the officials, starting with Li Yueyang, cupped their fists and bowed to Han Mo.
"There's no need for further words. The rebels are coming soon. If we can defend the city, I promise your merits will not be embezzled by anyone. But if we fail to defend the city, this will be our final resting place. Gentlemen! I entrust this to you!"
"We are willing to serve you!"
Regardless of whether these people were sincere or not, when dozens of tents of various sizes were erected on the grand parade ground, both the citizens in the city and the soldiers on the walls felt a sense of relief.
"My lord, General Wang and their ships have set sail!"
After the night watch drum sounded three times, Jiang Yan whispered to Han Mo.
"I know!"
Looking at the dark night sky outside, Han Mo knew in his heart that the most severe test for them was about to arrive. Had Han Shizhong's training results in the past few days been effective? This would determine the life and death of the entire Mingzhou City.
If they could not hold on for three days, then the consequences would truly be devastating.
"Brother Qiu, Mingzhou City is just ahead. As long as we capture Mingzhou, things will be much simpler!"
Looking at Mingzhou City, which was within sight, Lü Shinang said excitedly to Qiu Rixin.
"There are only three thousand Shenjie Army soldiers in Mingzhou City who can fight. The rest are just auxiliary troops. We have 30,000 men in hand, and it will only take one decisive push to capture Mingzhou City!"
Compared to the rebel armies in other regions, their luck was not very good.
The arsenal in Taizhou had long been plundered by corrupt officials. Many of their soldiers were still holding fire pokers.
Apart from the cumbersome siege engines, they were seriously lacking in other supplies.
Therefore, after much deliberation, they chose Mingzhou as their target.
Although Mingzhou City's location was not as important as Quanzhou City,
With the continuous expansion of the northern shipping routes in recent years, the prosperity of Mingzhou City had also been rising steadily.
Furthermore, the two of them had visited Mingzhou City more than once and were very familiar with the situation there.
Firstly, there were no renowned generals in Mingzhou City. Secondly, the soldiers in Mingzhou City were indeed already rotten.
As long as they could capture Mingzhou City, they would have no shortage of grain and military pay.
Now that heroes were rising everywhere, although everyone outwardly submitted to Fang La, in private, wasn't it all about personal strength?
"I think everyone has worked hard on the journey. Why don't we let everyone rest here tonight, and we'll attack the city directly tomorrow morning!"
"Alright, let's do as Brother Lü suggests! Regardless, Mingzhou City is a treasury hub of the court. We must act swiftly. Beware of prolonged delays!"
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"Your Highness, Xin Xingzong already has a grievance with Han Mo. Why did you agree to send him to rescue Mingzhou? Moreover, they have been unable to take Hangzhou for a long time and are already a depleted force. Waiting for them to rescue Mingzhou is no different from watching Han Mo die?"
The next morning, in Suzhou City, Zong Ze was earnestly advising Zhao Zhen.
Although he had not interacted much with Han Mo, due to Han Mo's relationship with Zong Ying, he had heard some things about Han Mo from his son.
Now that Mingzhou City was in peril, Zhao Zhen had ordered Xin Xingzong to rescue Han Mo at this very moment, which was clearly an attempt to kill Han Mo.
"Lord Zong, please do not worry. I will immediately send someone to inquire about what is happening. I knew nothing about this matter. What is going on!"
"Your Highness, the ministers have been waiting for a long time. Look..."
As soon as Zhao Zhen finished speaking, urgent voices from his attendants could be heard from outside.
"Your Highness, this matter cannot be delayed any longer. If Mingzhou City falls, it will shake the entire world!"
Even setting aside Han Mo's personal safety, Mingzhou City was now the starting point of the northern shipping route.
It was a gathering place for merchants from various countries. If Mingzhou City fell and caused heavy casualties among foreign merchants, who would dare to do business with the Song Dynasty again?